^' 



rv 



HISTORY 



OF THE 



FIRST PHE8BYTE1HIAN CHUHCH 



OF 



BLOOMSBURY, NEW JERSEY, 

WITH 

A PRELIMINARY SKETCH OV THE NEIGHBORHOOD FROM ITS 
EA RIJEST SETTLEMENT. 



BY 



REV. JOHN C. CLYDE, A. M., 

Anthor of History of the Allen Township or Irish Settlement Presbyterian 
Church, Penn.; Genealogies, Necrology and Reminiscences of the Irish Settle- 
ment; Life, Labors and Death of Rev. John Rosbrugh, Clerical Martyr of the 
Revolution; Life of Prof . James H. Coffin, LL.D., of Lafayette College. 



jAN -^ST^e^ ' >^ 



BLOOMSBURY 
PUBLISHED BY SUBSCRIPTl 

1884. 



Ko..f*..Vli 



.^V< 



•wash; 






Entered according to act of Congress, in the year 1883, by 

Rev. JOHN C. CLYDE, 
111 flio. Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



T)V 






TO 
THE FRIENDS 

OF LOCAL HISTORY, ECCLESIASTICAL AND SECULAR, 

WHO RESIDE IN BLOOMSBURY AND VICINITY, 

THE FOLLOWING PAGES ARE 

INSCRIBED BY 

THE 

AUTHOR, 



CHAPTEK IV. 

PASTOKATE OF REV. H. B. {SCOTT. 

BUILDING OF PARSONAGE. 

Pa s magj. Saerameutiil occasions. (Jail of tliinl pastor. Congregation reciistricted. 
Rjvival of 1870. Outpost work declining. Congregational rules. Church returns to 
Newton Presbyter}-. Reunion. Memorial fund Pastor's salary increased. John P. 
Smith legacy. Se.xton's duties. Storm injures ciiurch. 30. 

CHAPTER V. 
PASTORATE OF REV. H. B. SCOTT CONTINUED. 
DIFFICULTIES. 

Ciiurch to be used only for worship. Envelope system. Additional elder elected. 
Burial ground enlarged. lionise F. Kennedy Fund. Dissensions before Presbytery. 
ri3signatio i of thin! pastor. 39. 

CHAPTER VI. 
PASTORATE OF REV. J. C. CLYDE. 

Unsettled difficulties. Low spiritual state. Benevolent work suffering. Difficulties 
before Synod. Election of fourth pastor. Presbyterian Hymnal adopted. Attempt to 
organize a new cluirch. Audience room relighted. Discipline. Debt of church paid. 
Lecture room refitted. End of difficulties in the church. Death of elder William 
Tinsman. Improved condition of congregation. New side-walks. 48. 





HISTORY. 



CHAPTER I. 
PRELIMINARY HISTORY. 

General principles affecting communities. Natural surroundings. First set- 
tlers. The Robert Johnston tract of land south of the Musconetcong. The John 
Cook tract north of the Musconetcong, subsequently held by the Heanries, Kenne- 
dys and others. Village of Bloomsbury. Early education of community. Ec- 
clesiastical antecedents. Rise and progress of Methodi^sm. 

Tlie student of ethnology learns at a very early stage of his investi- 
gations that circumstances largely determine the diflerent characteris- 
tics wliich we see among the various parts of the human family. A 
river, by its even flow, and by its supply of a prime necessary of life, 
forms an avenue along which man finds it easy to travel, either by 
floating upon its bosom or by journeying upon its banks. We see the 
migration of mankind therefore governed largely by the courses of the 
streams by which the earth is watered. A mountain, by its precipitous 
sides and lack of those things which minister most conveniently to 
man's daily wants, becomes a barrier by which he is confined to certain 
limits, or his course of migration is deflected. The opening of public 
roads through the country and the construction of railroads, thus facili- 
tating the intercourse between mankind, constitute a powerful factor 
in determining the mobility of communities and the formation of ren- 



(I First /'n.'-l/i/firiiin (__'/i>ir<-ii nf Il/odiiishi/r'/. 

tcis (»r jxipiila-tioii ;iii(l trade. Tlic I'ci'tih' valley, Mliieli is ])laiite(l as a 
.uardeii amid eliainiiin.ii' suvi-oiiiidin^' seeiiery,^a.iid whieh yields a. saiis- 
r\!i;,L;- reiiini to tii(> liiisl)aii(linaiii lor his loil. tlms iiiakiiii;' liiin ])r()S]M'r- 
Mii--; and liaMpy, is a )><iW('il'nl iiicenti\"e u d('\ (■l()j)iii,:u' the iidelh'cf iial 
aiu! piiysiral aatiiii' of iii.mi. ( )u the other hand tlie barren and hroken 
re,^ioiis — tlie waste jil ie;\s of t lie eai'ili — whieh liave nothini;' to allrael 
the eye oi' eiieer (he lieari, har\'e a, tendency lo onll tlie inlcdleetual ]>er- 
eei»ti;)iis, and stunt the _u'!'o\\th of the iihysieal ni;;n. ^\ij,'ain. the inHii- 
ences brought to beai-niioii niankiiiil throngh education, intell<M'^nal ;ind 
moral, in coiijiinctioii with |)liysic;il turroundings, are large factors in 
dctenuiiiing the condition of a eoinmnnity at any given jteriod of its 
lust(^ry."Tf the i)eo!)le haiVe ha<l the advantages oj' good secular educa- 
tion and wholesome moral training, thoy will be Ibund, ;!s a rule, pos- 
sessing a. ])roi)ortiona.te amount of wealtli, intellecturd ])ower and (lis])o- 
sitioa to aceomplisli comnu'ndable tilings in jioliticaJ, social, and iclig- 
ious life. If, on the otlier Iiand, tlieir means of secular edueation ha\e 
been linuted, and their moral training neglected, they will bo found to 
1)1", as a rule, incai])able of ])i'eserving from wa.ste wlia,!^ natui'c by the 
operalion of her laws ma.y have provided for them, and possessed of lit- 
tle inclination to put foi'tli efforts for a.dvaiUcement ])olitically. socially 
or religiously. 

In aniving at a true historical estimate of a (ihurch, therefoic, at any 
given period of its existence, such things as these must be taken into 
consideration. We find tlien, with i-eference to the First ]*resbytei'ian 
Church of lUoomsbury, that nature has done nuudi to h(^l[) her on to 
.success. When we survey the physical cluu'aeter'islics of the section of 
country occupied by the congiegation we see Avhat a(h'aiitag"es it has 
had in location, to nmke it comjKvct and pros])erous. Through the 
midst of it flows the bea^utiful, raii)id, clear and cold waters of the Mus- 
conetcong creek. Its waters have ever ministered to the comfort, luip- 
pim^.ss, and ])ros])erity of the i)eo[)le. U])on its baidcs they have ever 
weuiU'd thcii way either in the pursuits of every day life, or for the 
])urpose of \\o)shi])ing frod. On the ^outh is seen th<' iiicturesque 
range of the ,Mus«'oneIcong mountains, clad as iliey arc in lichesl 



green in siininier or iiurost white in winter, dotted with tlie jieids, or- 
chards, and I'arin lionses of the indnstrions and i'rngal inhabitaiiis, and 
holdiii.U' in its l)osoiti rieli (h'.i»osits oCiron, wiiicli iiiiiiistci's so l;ir,i;;'ly lo 
iiiairs |>ros]»erity, (■onvriiieiice aiul liapjiiiK'Ss. To jiir norlh in;iy hf 
seen tlie lower a.nd n'i')re bi'okeii i'olniteong' riliig'e! whicli ibims I lie \\\\\ 
nral l)onndary between tlie Mnsconetenng and, FolKitcoiig valleys. 
Down the vallev, at a. distance otabont a mile' from the chnrcli, tlic 
tlie liills close in npon each other, llms forming- in this part of tlie valley 
what nught be call'Ml a cff/ f/e ^(f or ..pocketj ' thns Ibrniing a. natnral 
bonndary to the congregation on the j^'onthwe.st and west. So com- 
pletely closed in is the congregation in' thiV; direction tliat the Mnsco- 
netcong creek struggles througli a deep ravine, with scarcely room for 
a. foot ])ath npon its banks, as it inipetliously rushes over its rocky bed 
to mingle its waters with those of tlie Delaware. To the northeast, or 
uji the stream, stretches the unbroken surface of the valley, Iniving 
merged into it, i(i\\ or twelve miles distant, tlie Pohatcong valley, and 
thus liolding its course to the northeast till it is lost in the hill country 
of Sussex county. 

The part of the valley occupied by the Bloomsbury congregation is a 
'•rich alluvial with mixture of red shale which returns large crops to the 
husbandman." "It is a pretty well established fact that the first white 
■ settlers of the townshi[) [of Bethlehem, Hunterdon county, in w^hich the 
church is located] were Hollanders, and came here in the early part of 
I he last century. Among the descendants of the pioneer settlers who 
.still retain a portion at least of the original purchases, are the Hofl- 
nr.ins, Alpaughs, Crevelings, Hoppocks, Duckworths, Willevers, Vliets, 
Boss, Housels, Opdykes and others whose ancestors were pioneers 
along the river." "That part of the township immediately around 
Bloomsbury 'has come down through the ])ossession of Robert Johnston, 
who owned a large tract including not o\\\y what is now the village of 
Bloomsbury, but the farms of Moses liobins aud John Stute ou the 
west, and the Taylor proi)e]ty on the east of the village and running to 
the to)) of the jnountain. The Taylor tract was probably the eastern 



^ First hrshijlvrian C/iurih. <>/ BIttoinsbiirii. 

piirt t)f this original tract of Kobert Johnstou. A little liutlier east 
was a tract owned for a short time by a man named Hamilton; then 
came tracts, a part of which are still in possession of the descendants 
of the original owners, as previonsly stated." Hh. Haa. Co. 1881, pp. 
4-">7, 458. 

The section thus described snbstantially covers the gronnd occu[>ied 
by that portion of the congregation lying south of the Musconetcong 
creek, i. e. in Hunterdon county. 

When we pass to the i)ortion lying north of the cnsek and between 
it and the Pohatcong range, which divides the Musconetcong from the 
Pohatcong valley, we find tliat Jolin Cook of Frankford, Pennsylvania, 
had surveyed to him by Sanniel Green, on a writ from the Council of 
Proprietors of tlie Western Division of the Province of l!i^ew Jersey, one 
thousand one huiidre«l and eleven acres of land in Greenwich town- 
shi]), county of Htuiterdon, (as it then was) fronting on the "Muscone- 
konk Kiver" near Silver Hill, and the rear on "Pohatkong Brook." 
The survey of this tract of land was recorded in the Surveyor General's 
Ottice at Burlington, bearing date June 2. 1715. 

Hannah Cook, granddaughter of John Cook, to whom the above 
tract was surveyed, together with her husband William Heanrie, living 
in the township of Greenwich, conveyed, by deed bearing date Dec. (J. 
1742, to Adam Hall and Elisabeth his wife, five hundred acres of the 
lower or western i)ortion of this tract of land; and Adam Hall and wife, 
by deed bearing date Deb. 10. 1742, conveyed three hundred and thir- 
ty-three and one third acres of the lower portion of the five hundred 
acres, aiul fronting on the "Musconekong River," to Christopher Fal- 
conberger; and Mr. Falcon berger acquired by deed bearing date Oct. 
10. 1748, from John Reading, ninety acres adjoining the above tract on 
the west and rear on the line of Thomas Bryerly Esq. 

Adam Hall and wife, by deed bearing date Dec. IG. 1742, conveyed to 
Ananias Allen, one hundred and sixty-six and two thirds acres of the 
above nu'.ntioncd five hundred; and Ananias Allen, by deed bearing 
date Dec. A'-\. \1V.\ covey ed to Michael Heanrie the above mentioned 



yirst Fresbijtcrkm Church uf BloomnbHru. 9 

one hundred and sixty-six and two thirds acres, the transaction beinjjf 
witnessed by John Sinitli and George Reading, and acknowledged hv 
John Reading. 

Michael Heanrie, by deed Iwaring date Apr. 0. 1752, conveyed these 
lands to his son Michael Heanrie Jr. Christopher Falconberger, by deed 
dated Nov. 9. 17.52, conveyed to Christian Sharpenstein two hundred 
and eleven acres, being the lower portion of his tract; it being the 
same land which Mr. Sharpensteiu conveyed to Jonathan Robins, and 
which is now owned by William N. Creveling and tlie heirs ol" John S. 
Robins, with other lands. Hannah Heanrie, by deed of trust bearing- 
date Oct. 19. 1757, conveyed to Michael Heanrie, of Readington, and 
William Bishop of Greenwich, six hundred and ninety-six acres of land 
in Greenwich township, and one hundred and thirty-two acres in Beth- 
lehem township, to be held in trust for her children until they arrived 
at the age of twenty-one years, viz : Arthur, Michael, Nathaniel, EUsa- 
beth, and Sarah Heanrie; being the lands fronting on the Musconet- 
cong creek below Bloomsbury. to the westerly line of John Cline's farm, 
and thence across to the Pohatcong and along Robert I. Smith's and 
William J. Smith's land to a white oak sapling on the north side of the 
Musconetcong creek by a spring. This deed was witnessed by PhiHp 
Chapman and William Kuowles, and acknowledged by Jonathan Petit. 
A deed for fifty acres was made by Christian Sharpensteiu in 1790, 
which was witnessed by Philip Fonger, Robert SprouU, and John D. 
Jaques. Adam Runkle Jr. owned lands near Kennedy's mill in Green- 
wich township. 

A deed was made in 1772, in Greenwich township, by Michael Hean- 
rie to Conrad Settle and included lands now occupied by R. H. Kenne- 
dy. This transaction Avas witnessed by Robert Calnett and Charles 
Hofl". There was a deed made in 1794, for ten acres, by Robert Kenne- 
dy and Elisabeth his wife to Peter Fishbach. The property is now 
owned by Robert I. Smith. This transaction was witnessed by Jacob 
Eichman and Enoch Kennedy. There was a deed made in 1777 by 
Conrad Settle to Robert Kennedy, which land is now occupied by R. H. 



10 i'T/'.s/ Pnsbtjkykm Church of Blvomslniry. 

Kciiiic'dy. This ti'iinsactiou was witnessed by Jacob Welsh and Jesse 
Barber. Capt. Avtlinr Heanrie's lioinestead farm is now occupied by 
H. li. Kennedy. It was bounded on the east by hinds of Capt. Benja- 
min McCnllough. Civpt. MeCullouj»h built the liouse now occui)ied by 
Jesse J. Lake. He owned the hinds now in the possession of Robert I. 
Smith, William J. Smith, John Peter, an<l the farm on which William 
Sherrer lives. There was a deed made in 17G3 by Capt. McCullaujfh to 
Samuel Severns, it being the mill property known as Kennedy's Mill. 
The witnesses to this transaction were Robert Johnston and Patrick 
McDeed. 

Thus we find that the lands on the north as well as on the south side 
of the Musconetcong have been for generations in the hands of those 
who were, as a rule, inclined to the Presbyterian faith. Having thus 
before our minds the section of country in general occupied by the con- 
gregation, we may turn to notice more particularly the village of 
Bloomsbury where the church building is located. This is situated 
near where the New Brunswick turni)ike crosses the Musconetcong 
creek from Warren into Hunterdon county', and where roads diverge to 
Pittstown and Little York. The latter of these roads was opened for 
travel in 1815. "The road from Bloomsbury to Pittstown, a distance of 
ten miles, is a part of the old one known as 'the Kings Highway', and 
was originally the dividing line between Bethlehem and Alexandria 
townships, so lar as it crosses Bethlehem. That small portion of Beth- 
lehem west of this road was subsequently taken from Alexandria and 
added to Bethlehem. The road does not cross a stream between 
Bloomsbury and Pittstown, though there are many springs and creeks 
on either side of it." HU Htm. Co., 1881, p. 459. 

The church is located on the east side of this road a few hundred 
yards south of where it diverges from the New Brunswick turnpike. 

"The name [of the village] is derived from the Bloom family, who 
were influential here in the early history of the place and at present 
represented in other localities. It was previously known as Johnson's 
Iron Works. tVotn Robert Johiison's furnace, which was on the Wairen 



J^lrsf rnd»jla'i(iH Clunxli of B[oijini<bary. 11 

county side of the creek, neiir where the old charcoal house now stands. 
Johnson carried on business here as early as 1750. Th(? ore was carted 
from the south side of the Musconetcong mountain and made into what 
is known as blooms, and some entertain the idea that the name Blooms- 
biu-y originated from this." "The village is beautifully situated at the 
foot of the Musconetcong mountains, at the lower end of the \'alley. A 
small i>art lies on the north side of the creek, in Warren county." 
"The site of the village was owned as early as 1810 by George Beidle- 
mau of Eastou. His son William lived here, having charge of the estate, 
and the propertj' became his by heirshi]). His house was on the corner 
of Bridge Street and Little York road, where Henry Gardner's resi- 
dence now stands. Mr. Beidleman died here about 1838. His widow 
still lives in the village [and is a member of the Presbyterian church, 
Oct. 1883.]" [As to the property here referred to, another authority 
says it was controlled by Henry Jones and Henry Cortright, sons-in-law 
of George Beidleman. Subsequently the title vested in Henry Jones. 
Still later the property was owned by Enoch Green, another son-in-law 
of George Beidleman, and was controlled by his brother-in-law William 
Beidleman.] "The next owner of the Bloomsbury property was Henry 
Jones, who was a distiller and built a still house on the site now occu- 
pied by Hoffman's saw mill, below the grist mill. This was the pioneer 
distillery. He died about 1828. The house in which he lived is now 
occupied by Theodore Melick. In 1832 his widow built the house where 
widow Beidleman now lives, [on the southwest corner of Little York 
road and the road leading to Pittstown, or south across the road from 
where her husband lived and died.]" 

"As late as 1832 the land now occupied by Bloomsbury was a farm, 
and there were but five houses upon the Bethlehem side of the creek ; 
the old log house that stood where the brick store now is ; the old Bei- 
dleman house on the corner where Gardner's house stands ; the old yel- 
low house down the York road; and the two log houses of John L. and 
Bartholomew Lott. These are all standing except the first named. 
This was kept for several years as a tavern by Charles Tomlinson, and 



1:lI Fir^t Prcsbijkrian Churrh of Bloomsbanj. 

was (he lirst on the south side of the creek." Hu. Han. Co. p. 461. 

.Viiothcr jiuthoiity sarvs the i)roi)erty was boujjht by JoNei)h Cougle 
and by him converted into a tavern which was kept by himself. 

As to (MUicational advantages it may be said tiie people of this com- 
munity enjoyed the common adv;iutages of the times in which they 
lived. These consisted, in tl.e earlier days, of private schools, and 
more recently of the common school system of the State. With refer- 
ence to the religious training of the community it may be said they 
have never been without it. Even before the sainted Bavid Brainerd 
came, to a neighboring locality in 1744, as a missionary to the Indians, 
with whom the whites occupied the land, missionaries had visited the 
region, preached to the people and founded churches. 

u tfhere came before the Presbytery of New Brunswick, then met at 
a place now called Lawrenceville,' says the quaint record, 'a supplica- 
tion for supplies of preaching in Mr. Barber's neighborhood, near Mus- 
connokunk (Musconetcong) ; and Mr. Cross and Mr. McCrea were di- 
rected to sui)ply certain Sabbaths at Lamingtunk (Lamington), and Mr. 
Barber's,' This Mr. Barber was ])robably the ancestor of Jesse Barber, 
father of Phineas, formerly an elder in this (Mansfield) [Washington] 
churcli. Subsequent records make it certain that Mr. Barber's neigh- 
borhood was identical with parts of old Mansfield and Greenwich; for 
mention is often made of supplies being sent to Mr. Barber's and Mr. 
Green's. The former — Mr. Barber's neighborhood — seems to have giv- 
en place on the records to 'Mansfield Woodhouse' whilst the latter — Mr- 
Green's — changes on the record to Green's-ridge — Green idge — Green- 
jige — and at last lower Greenwich." "Greenwich upon Delaware was 
the district now occupied by Belvidere, Oxford, and part of Harmony." 
"It is possible that the first Presbyterian houses of worship erected 
within our bounds, were those of Greenwich and 'Mansfield Woodhouse.' 
Whi(;h was the first erection it is impossible to say. But it is pretty 
certain that the first meeting house in Greenwich was erected between 
the years 1739 and 1744; for in the journal of that man of God, David 
T'>rainerd. he mentions having preached in Greenwich twice on Sab- 



I'^'ir^t Pra-biittrkni C/iunh of Bloo/ii^har)/. lo 

bath December 9. 1744; and when it is coiisideietl that this tiist h).u 
church wiinS so far decayed in 1775 as to render another buihliiii;' neces- 
sary, we >nay infer that it was in the ftrst ohl churcli tlnit he preaehiMl." 
Fiftieth Anniversary of Netrton rrcsbytery, by liev. D. X. Jtmkin^ D.I)., ji. -5. 

Tlie three points, then, were Oxford First, near Belvidere; Maiislield 
Woodhouse, (which stood on the vsoutliern slope of the Toliatcong range 
wliich divides the Mnscouetcong and Pohatcong" valleys, at the old bu- 
rying" ground adjoining the Washington, I*^^. J., cemetery — which field 
is now oc(aipied by the Fust Mansfield (Washington), Musconetcong 
Valley, and Asbury churches); and Greenwich. If the old log church 
first erected iu Greenwich, on the south side of the Pohatcong creek, 
one half or three Iburths of a mile to the south or southwest of the pres- 
ent church, were still standing-, it would probably be in full view, a mile 
and a half westward, from the site of the present Bloomsbury church. 

In that old log church, in 1704, Rev. John Kosbrugh was ordained to 
the gospel Jiiinistry and became, as far as known, the first pastor of the 
church. Tlie Bloomsbury district was part of that charge and under 
his ministry, and that of his successors. Rev. Joseph Treat (1775 — 1797), 
Rev. William B. Sloan (1798— 1S;M), Rev. David X. Junkin, D.D. (1835 
— 1851), and Rev. Aaron H. Halid, D.D., the people Avere always provi- 
ded with the means of grace. 

Thirty-five or thirty-six years before the organization of the Presby- 
terian church of Bloomsbury, the Methodists commenced to work the 
field. It seems a circuit preacher visited the place about 1821 and held 
services in John Pippenger's house, where Samuel Stamets now Hves. 
"Rev. Samuel Hull and Rev. Jacob Hevener preached in the village oc- 
casionally about this time. Rev. Seely Bloomer is known to have 
preached at Daniel Stires' residence, then standing, near the Central 
Railroad arch. Willever's and Stiers' houses became the headquarters 
of the Methodist preachers when iu the place." "In 1835 a suitable 
place for public service was purchased. It was the property now owned 
by Joseph B. Boss, and occupied as a double dwelling, near the corner 
iiortli of the ehnrch. It was originally a cabinet shop belonging to a 



14 ¥ir.s( Prishtjicriort CItarch ofliloointibHrij. 

Mr. Helmsman, and later a wheelwright shop. [Another authority says 
the buikling Avas originally built by Mrs. Nancy Jones for her son 
George, to be occupied as a wheehvriglit shop.] Henry Willever an<l 
])auiel Stires were among tlie early members, and contributed largely 
to tlie establishment of the infant cliurch. When Mr. Willever died, in 
1841, he bequeathed $400 to the society, with which to refit the- wheel- 
wright shop and adapt it to church ])urposes. While this was being 
done llev. Mr. Page and his colaborer liev. J. P. ])aly, preached in the 
school house. A licA'. Mr. Chattels preached the dedicatory sermou ; 
he was appointed to this circuit about 1839." His. Hiin. Co., p. 402. 

We find tlieu that the Methodists had been occupying and actively 
cultivating the field for more than twenty years before the Presbyte- 
rians organized a church. Thus we have before us some of the circum- 
stances whicli sHiTounded the people of the (jommunity prior to the or- 
ganizatiou of the First Piesbyterian Church of Bloomsbury, and which 
exerted their iutiuence in directing the current of its affairs. 



CHAFrER II. 

ERFXTION OF A CHURCH BUILDING AND FIRST 
PASTORATE UNDER REV- W. E. WESTERVELT. 

Organization talked of prior to 1834, during pastorate of Rev. Win. B. Sloan 
(d Greenwich. Also under jHistorate of Rev. D. X. Jimkin, 1835 — 1851. Def- 
inite action taken relative thereto under pastorale of Rev. A. H. Hand. Church 
organized 1857, Causes which made organization necessary. Services in school 
house. Incorporation. Donation of site for church building. Calling of first 
pastor. Organization of choir. Outpost a,t Bethkhem. Erection and dedica- 
tion of church edifice. Building injured by xtorm. Districting of th-c c/mgrega- 
tioit. Rciig nation of jirxt pa.^lor. 



J^lrst Pr€iibtjicri<ni Church of JJlovnt^biny. I/> 

As we have seen, the fiehl occupied by the First Presbyterian Cliiu cii 
of Bloom sbury was originally included in the bounds of the old historic 
Greenwich church, Warren county, New Jersey. As the facts rchitivc 
to the early hist^iry of that church may be found in a discourse dclix'er- 
ed at its Centenary, on the present site; in a discourse conmieniorative 
of the first half century of the Presbytery of Newton, by liev. David X. 
Junkiu, D.D.; and in ''Kosbrugh," by the author of this sketch, it is 
unnecessary to give, further than we have already done, a retrosi)ect of 
the religious characteristics of the community prior to the formation of 
the Bloomsbury churcli. 

As early as during the pastorate of Eev. William B. Sloan in Green- 
wich church, which closed in 1834, the formation of a churcli at Bloonis- 
bury was talked of. During the pastorate of liev. David X. Junkin, 
D.D., from 1835 — 1851, the jnatter was spoken of from time to time but 
no definite action Avas taken. During the early part of the pastorate of 
Kev. Aaron H. Hand, D.D,, commencing in 1851, the question seems to 
have received little or no attention. But in 1857 the subject assumed 
a practical aspect, so far as the Greenwich chiu"ch was concerned. In 
the Centenary discourse above referred to, p. 41, Dr. Junkin says: 
"In November, 1858 [185 7j, the Bloomsbury church was organized of 
persons belonging to this cluu'ch, for which purpose forty-one were dis- 
missed." The need of a Presbyterian church at this point was occa- 
sioned, at least in part, by the impetus which the place received from 
the extension of the New Jersey Central Eailroad through the Musco- 
netcong valley, to Eastou, Pennsylvania. This occurred in 1852. So 
great was the increase of population and resources at this point tliat it 
was felt to be a question, not simply of practicabdity, but of necessity 
that a congregation be organized and a church building erected in the 
locality to accommodate the forty or more Presbyterian families ,Avho 
were residents of the village and its immediate vicinity. The initiato- 
ry step seems to have been taken by William J. Smith, who, some time 
in August, 1857, spoke of the matter to Henry E. Kennedy. A week 
or so subsequent t-o this there met, informally, under the trees at the 



It)' l-'^/rsf i*rcsl>>iltrian Chunh of BluoiiisOi(i\'/. 

resideuce of liobert 1. yuiith on the north side of tlie Muscouetcoiig 
creek, tlie foUowinjj; ^entleiiien, viz: Jaines Bird, Henrv Gardner Sr., 
])}ivi(l F. Wean, Henry II. Kennedy, William S. Gardner, Kobert J. 
iSinith, and William J. Smith, who discussed the subject antl resolved 
to attempt some practical results. The question received a [)ractica] 
solution when on !Sep. 1. 1837, the friends of the enter[)rise founded the 
church. The following subscrii>tion paper was circulated, viz: 

"We, the sij^ners hereunto, feeling the necessity of having a conve- 
nient house of worshi[> in our village, agree to pay the sums atlixed to 
our names toward the erection of ii church edifice for the worshij) of Al- 
mighty God, to be located within the bounds of the village of Blooms- 
bury; provided that said church edifice sha.ll be owned and occupied by 
a congregation hereafucr t ) be organized to be entitled and called the 
First Presbyterian Church of Bloomsbury. Said (congregation shall 
elect officers and call a pastor to preside over and minister unto said 
church and congregation, and shall enjoy all the imnumities and privi- 
leges granted and allotted to such churches and congregations accord- 
ing to the forms and usages of the Presbyterian church." 

The following names are found attaclied to this paper, viz: Henry 
Gardner, Rol)ert H. Kennedy, James Bird, S. C. Smith, Wm. S. Gard- 
ner, John Carter, H. R. Kennedy, Wm. J. Smith, Moses Robins, Joseph 
Lair, Wm. Tinsman, J. W. Willever, J. Gardner, J. Hance, Wm. S. 
Hulsizer, Joseph B. Boss, Abram James, Sarah A. Carter, Peter Snuth, 
Jacob Vliet, Hannah Williamson, James J. Willever, Robert I. Smith, 
J. C. Stewart, Tlieodore Gardner, Benjamin Parker, Samuel Jerand)er- 
ger, Charles Petty, John R. Smith, E. T. Vhet, Abram Hance, and Da- 
vid F. Wean. These persons subscribed a sum amounting in the ag- 
gregate to |407r). 

A petition signed by one hundred and twenty-nine persons was i)resent- 
ed to the JiTewton Presbytery at its meeting, Oct. G. 1857, by W^m. J. 
Smith and John T. Bird, asking that the church be organized. The re- 
({uest Avas granted and the following committee was appointed to carry 
into ctfect the wishes of the people, viz: Revs. Hugh N". Wilson. D.T)., 



Fir^t Prcsbylcrian Church of Bloomsbary. 17 

J. Arudt Riley, George C BusU, with ruliug elders Peter Winter, of 
Harinony, Adam B. Reese, of Phillipsburg, and Pljilip Muchler, of As 
bury. The committee convened iu the Methodist Episcopal (;hurch of 
Bloomsbury, on Oct. 29. of that year and attended to the (Uities of their 
aplK)intinent. The record of the meeting is as follows: 

"Certain members of the church of Greenwich, of the Presbytery of 
Newton, assembled in the Methodist Episcidjpal church of Bloom slnny 
for the purpose of organizing a church ti) l)^ called the 1st Presbyterian 
Church of Bloomsbury, in pursuance fJrcCrtaiin action of said Presby- 
tery by appointing a coriimittee thereunto, wlifereat the Rev. Doctor 
Wilson presided, by order of said committee'.'''' The following members 
were received for organization, viz: John l"! Bird, Wm. J. Smith, Sarah 
E. Smith, JSfih R. Smith, Sarah C. Smith, Mary Hulsizer, Nancy Mitch- 
ell, LycliJi Cochran, Sarah Stiner, Margaret Hance, Thoniias Young, Re- 
becca Ann Young, John Hance, Catharine Hance, Jane R. Smith, An- 
nie Parker, Abram Hance, Susan Housel, Susan McPherson, Penelope 
McPhersou, Deborah Young, Peter Hart, Mary Hart, Annie Creveling, 
Henry Gardner, Elisabeth L. Kennedy, Henry R. Kennedy, Elisabeth 
Gardner, Miriam K. Kennedy, David F. Wean, Absalom James, Rob- 
ert I. Smith, Mary H. Smith, Wm. S. Gardner, Rachel Tinsman, Joseph 
C. Smith, James Bird, Mary Bird, Emily A. Hulsizer, Abram W.Smith, 
Wm. S. Hulsizer, and Wm. Tinsman — forty-two in all, among whom 
were twenty-six heads of families. 

The same day James Bird, Henry R. Kennedy, Wm. Tinsman and 
W"m. J. Smith were elected to the office of ruling elder, and after a re- 
cess, in the evening, all (except Mr. Tinsman, who was afterwards or- 
dained) were ordained and installea in their office. The congregation 
convened in the school house in the village on the tenth day of Novem- 
ber of the same year, pursuant to an order of the Presbyterial commit- 
tee. At this meeting Rev. George C. Bush presided. Upon this date 
session received Wm. Tinsman by certificate from the Lutheran church 
and he was ordained and installed an elder. The congregation pro- 
ceeded to elect John T. Bird, Wm. S. Hulsizer, John Hance, and Rob- 



18 First Pn'sbyteruLii Church vf Bluomshary. 

ert I. Smith, deacons. All but the last two were accordingly set apart 
to that office. At the same timp Wm. S. Gardner, Abram HaiK^e, and 
Joseph W. Willever were elected tnisfcec>. The e tnist.^es, under date 
of Nov. 16. 1857, signed and sealed their declaration of the cori)orate 
existence of the "First Presbyterian Chiuch of Bloomsbury," in the fol- 
lowing form, viz: 

"Whereas a meeting was held on the tenth day of Noveinber, A. J). 
1857, by the congregation hereinafter to be named, for thtj purpose of 
electing trustees of said congregation, at least ten days previous notice 
of 8uch meeting having been given by a«u advertisement in open view 
at the place of such meeting, we, Willam S Gardner, Abram Hance, and 
Joseph W. Willever being elected trustees by a plurality of votes of 
such of the said congregation as were present, we do hereby certify 
that we have taken upon ourselves the name of 'The First Presbyte- 
rian Church of Bloomsbury.' Given under our hands and seals this six- 
teenth day of November, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight 
hundred and fifty-seven." 

(Signed.) W, S. Gakdneu. seal. 

Abram IIanck. seal. 

Joseph W. Willevek. seal. 

This document was duly recorded Nov. 17. in Hunterdon county rec- 
ords, where it may be found. Special Deeds Folio, vol. Ill, pp. 376, 377. 

Following immediately upon this, Mr. Adam D. Riinkle donated a 
suitable piece of land to the congregation upon which to erect a house 
of worship, deeding the same over to them under date of Nov. 19. 1857. 

On Dec. 10. 1857, session received a letter from Rev. Sidney G. Law, 
of Brooklyn (formerly of Iowa), asking for an opportunity to preach to 
the people as a candidate for the pastoral office in the congregation. 
Jan. 19. 1858, session directed that he be invited to visit the congrega- 
tion, which he did, prejiching two Sabbaths and delivering a week day 
lecture. At the same time, Jan. 19. jiction was taken Avith reference to 
seeking supplies from the theological seminaries at Princeton and New 
Brunswick. Jan. 27. a letter was received from Prof. W. Henry Green. 



Firat Pn'sbytcriort Chunk of Bhomsburi/. 19 

of Princeton Seminary, reconiuieuding Rev. Frederick A. King, of Kali- 
way, and Rev. W. E. Westerv^elt, of Patterson, New Jersey. On Feb. 
14. session invited botli Mr. King and Mr. Westervelt to visit the coii- 
gregatiou and preach as candidates. They both came and preached 
two Sabbaths and delivered a week day lecture. The congregation 
now authorized the session to call a meeting for the election of a pastor. 
Messrs. H. R. Kennedy and VVm. Tinsman were appointed a committee 
te invite Rev. Messrs. George 0. Bush and James Lewers to assist in 
the contemplated election. This committee reported on March 4. that 
Mr. Bush was absent from home, whereui)on Rev. J. Y. Mitchell and 
Dr. A. H. Hand were invited to attend. The congregation, convened 
in the school house on March 3. 1858, for the purpose of taking steps 
for the election of a pastor. It was decided that a meeting for this 
purpose should be held on the G. of March. Tlie congregation accord- 
ingly convened on March G. 1858. Rev. J. Y. Mitchell, of Phillipsburg, 
presided, being assisted by Rev. A. H. Hand, D.D., of Greenwich, who 
offered prayer after the singing of a hymn. A sermon was preached 
by Mr. Mitchell, after which the election was entered into. The choice 
fell upon Mr. W. E. Westervelt, a licentiate of the Presbytery of Pas- 
saic. The meeting directed that the call be signed by a special com- 
mitte consisting of the following persons, viz: Henry Gardner, Sr., Ad- 
am D. Ruukle, and Robert H. Kennedy. Mr. Mitchell was authorized 
to notify Mr. Westervelt of his election. 

At a meeting held March 22. the congregation appointed Messrs. 
Wm. Tiusman and Spencer C. Smith commissioners to prosecute the 
call for the newly elected pastor before Presbytery. The commission- 
ers accordingly appeared in Presbytery, Apr. 6. at the Musconetcong 
Valley Church, and presented the call for Mr. Westervelt's services. 
The same being found in order was placed in his hands and accepted 
by him. Presbytery thereupon appointed a committee to arrange for 
the examination, ordination, and installation of Mr. Westervelt, who 
made the following report, viz : the time to be Apr. 15. ensuing; tlie 
Moderator, Rev. Henry Reeves, of Belvidere, to preside and propose 



^0 i'7/vv/ Prcsbylcriun C/i'inh of Bluo/n.s/jun/. 

tlie coiiHtitutioual questions; Kev. W. C. Oattell to preach the sermon; 
llev. Dr. Hugh Wilson, of Ilackettstown, to clinr<;e the pasJor; and 
Kev. George C. Bush, of Stewartsville, to charge the people. The trial 
sermon was to be founded n[)on Koni. 5 : 1. The Presbytery according- 
ly met in the Methodist Ei)iscopaI church of Bloomsbury at the time 
appointed, at 10 o'clock, A. M., and was called to order by liev. George 
C Bush, the last Moderator present. Mr. Westervelt was examined in 
the forenoon, and at 2 (►'clock in the afternoon the ordination services 
took place. In the absence of Kev. Mr. Keeves, Dr. A. H. Hand presi- 
ded, proposed the constitutional questicms and ottered the ordaining 
prayer; Kev. W. C. C.ittell preached the sermon; and Kev. S. MclS^air, 
of Washington, gave the charge to the pastor; and Kev. George C. 
Bush gave the charge to the people. 

Mr. Westervelt having been thus installed on Ai)r. 15. 1858, went for- 
ward with his work among the people. At a. meeting of session held 
June 13. 1858, the question of making Jugtown a preaching point was 
discussed, and the pastor was instructed to write to Kev. James Lew- 
ers, of Asbury, and inquire if such step wouhl be regarded by him as 
an encroachment upon his field of labor. At this meeting it was form- 
ally decided that tlie singing in the church should be under the control 
of the session. The pastor was requested to draw up a set of rules and 
regulations for the governn)eut of the singing. This he did, reporting 
the same Jun. 18. They are as follows: 

"Impressed with the importance of having our church music conduc- 
ted in a manner that will be in keeping with its acknowledged sacred 
character, and that will be best adapted to the spiritual edification of 
all; and moreover, wishing to avoid if possible, those serious evils 
which so generally are connected with this part of divine worship; we, 
the session of the First Presbyterian Church of Bloomsbury do. unani- 
mously adopt the following resolutions and regulations,viz : 

Resolved 1. That the music of this church be under the immediate 
supervision and control of its session. 

Rfiolred II. That the performer on the instrument be selected from 



^IrM Preab^ttriiin Church of Bhomsbartj. 21 

among the members of the congregtitioii. [Player has had no salary.] 
Resolved III. That the singing shall be conducted by a choir, which 
shall be subject to the following regulations, viz : 

1. The number of members constituting the choir shall be limited to 
twelve. {Change<l to fifteen Sep. 0.) 

2. No one shall be a member of the choir who is not a regular mem- 
ber of the congregation. 

3. Every member of the choir is exi)ected to perform regidarly his or 
her part of the tUities of the choir. 

4. The tunes sung during service shall be taken from collections of 
music ai»proved by the session. 

5. If set pieces of music, sung or played previous to or at the opening 
of the service, they shall either be taken from collections specified in 
Reg. 1., or else they shall have previously re<;eived the approval of 
session. 

(i. The practice of singing or performing on the instrument while the 
congregation are retiring from the house, is prohibited. 

7. Not more than one new tune shall be introduced on each Sabbath. 

8. Members of the choir have no right to invite others, not members, 
to take seats with them in the choir. 

9. On special occasions the choir may, with the concurrence of the 
session, invite some other choir, or si>cified number of experienced sing- 
ers to unite with and assist them. 

10. Seats shall be assigned to the different members of the choir by 
its leader ; and there shall be no changing of seats without his permiss- 
ion. 

11. The above regulations shall be signed by the several members of 
the choir. 

The deacons were also authorized to have charge of the collections in 
the church, not only for the poor but also for all benevolent objects. 
Aug. 1. session received information from Mr. Lewers that there would 
be no objection to the occupying of the school house at Jugtown by the 
Bloomsbury congregation one Sabbath in four weeks. Accordingly 



22 Fimt Pri'sbijkr'ian Charc/i of Bloonisbtay. 

that (lay, Aug. 1., services were coinmenced at tliat point. It was ar- 
ranged that there should be a i>ra.ver meeting at Blooiusbury at sueh 
times as tlie pastor was absent holding services at Jugtown, the second 
service at Bloomsbury at tliis time being held in the afternoon. 

Up to this time tlie i)eople had been holdhig th{nr services in the 
public school lumse, and were at the same time busily engaged in the 
ejection of their ]w\\ church 1)uilding. It was now rapidly approaching 
completion. It is a commodious frame structure, 44 by 08 feet, neatly 
finished and furnished, with a seating capacity of 7(M). Galleries ex- 
tend around three sides of the room. From bills on record it would 
seem tln^ buihling cost the following sums, viz: 

IV.isement $790.71 

Superstructure— by A. 11. Dilts 4038.10 

Furnishing 148.29 



Total !^558.'i.l0 

On the 0. of September the subject of the dedication of the new 
church was taken u}). The time tixed upon as the commencement of 
these exercises was Oct. 7., at 10 o'clock A. M. There were to be two 
services a day for four days, viz: Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sab- 
bath. On Sabbath the sacrament of the Lord's supper was to be 
adnninstered. IJev. D. X. Juidvin, D.D., of Holidaysburg, Penn., was 
(jhosen to preach the dedicatory sermon. The selection of persons to 
ofliciate at the other services was left to the pastor of the church. It 
was decided to invite to these services the ministers and congregations 
of the Newton Presbytery, together with the following ministers and 
congregations, viz: Rev. Messrs. Coleman, Plit, Conkling, Hinkle, Will- 
iamson and McNair. 

At this meeting (Sep. (>.) Mrs. H. K. Kennedy was elected organist. 
Mr. John T. Bird, the leader of the choir, having removed from the 
congregation, resigned his i)()sition and Ilobert I. Snnth was appointe<l 
to lill tlie saint!. The Moderator was reijuested to meet with the choir 
and hx U[)()n some book of Psalmody to be used in the congregation. 
The ch<»i('t' made was that of the Old School branch of the rliur<'h. 



Fird Fnd)ijkri<(ii Chnrvh of BU)o)H.)>bHrij. 2o 

On Oct. 3., iu Older to suit tlie coiiveiiieiice of Dr. Junkin, the time 
I'or the dedicatory services of the churcli was chanj^ed from the 7. to 
the 14. inst. These services accordingly took phicu at this time Mib- 
stantially as arranged on the (I, of Se})t. previous. U]>on thai day a 
collection was taken up amounting to $104.01). On Oct. iO. Dr. Junlvin 
was requested to furnish a copy of his dedicatory sermon for [mblication. 
It was also decided at this time that the expenses of delegates fro ju the 
congregation to Synod should be borne by the congregation. 

The people had now become possessed of a suitable place in which to 
hold their services. In anticipation of the future needs of the congre- 
gation they had also, (hiring the year 1858, purchased a piece ol ground 
adjoining that donated by Mr. Kunkle as a site for a church building. 

Whilst seeming to be prospered they were soon to be called upon to 
lament a discouraging calamity which befel their building; A territic 
storm swept through the valley which blew down the steeple, cracked 
the bell, and otherwise injured the structure. The people however soon 
set to work to repair the damage. On Feb. 9. 1859, a meeting of the 
congregation was held at which it was decided to "repair the church 
immediately beginning from the foundation up." The work was to be 
done by contract and the money therefor was to be raised by subscrip- 
tion. Messrs. S. C. Smith and John Hauce were added to a committee 
of the trustees to superintend the work. Messrs. Wm. J. Smith, S. C. 
Smith, John Carter, James Stewart, Rev. Wm. E. Westervelt, Henry 
Gardner, Sr., Thomas Young, Joseph C. Smith, John R. Smith and 
Wm. Tinsman were appointed a committee to solicit contributions from 
the ditterent churches to meet the expenses of these repairs. At the 
same time Messrs. Robert I. Smith and H. R. Kennedy were appointed 
a committee to procure a bell. The work here referred to was done by 
the Kellars, of Easton, Penn. James Gardner was an active and lead- 
ing participant on the part of the congregation, in securing a reparation 
of the injury sustained by the building. Wm. Chapman, of Chapman's 
Quarries, Northampton county, Penn., from whom had been purchased 
the original roof, now donated slate for a new roof and had the same 
put on at his own expense. 



24 Fir. •it Prcibijterian C/iunh of Blooinabari/. 

Nov. 1. 1859, the hoar of the second service, wliich had been in the 
afternoon, was changed to evening. At this time the qnestion of ma- 
king Garrison's school honse, on Mnsconetcong monntain, a preaching 
paint was discnssed, bnt no definite action taken rehitive tliereto. Tlie 
question 'vas discussed of dividing the congregation into districts to be 
under the sui)ervision of the different members of session for a given 
time, during which tiiey were to visit tlie families assigned to them and 
at the end of the specified time report to session. Decision upon the 
matter was deferred until after tlie pastor should preach on the subject 
of the duties of ruling elders. The (piestion of securing a better sttend- 
ance n])on the jmiyer meeting was discussed: also that of having a sess- 
ional conference and prayer meeting statt^lly. This met with a[>proval 
of all, but definite action thereon was deferred to a future meeting. 

On ]\lay li. l.SOO, tlie question of dividing up the congregation into 
districts was again taken up. The following division was made, viz: 
"To Mr. Tinsman were assigned all the families on the south side of the 
Mnsconetcong (;reek and east of Mrs. Widow Boss' place, whose house 
is the starting point; to Mr. Bird were assigned all the families on the 
same side of the creek westward from liis own house, as far as church 
street, with three families on it; to Mr. Kennedy were assigned all the 
families on the north side of the creek; and to Mr. Sniith those on the 
south side westward from church street and southward from Alexan- 
dria street to the uttermost bounds of the congregation, excepting the 
families of Messrs. John K. Smith and Peter li. Smith." It was now 
decided that the pastor should preach on the subject of the duties of 
ruling ehlers, on Sabbath, May 27., and at that time acquaint the people 
with the action of session as to districting the congregation. 

Oct. 14. 18(50, Mrs. H. li. Kennedy resigned the position of organist 
and Miss Mary Smith was appointed to fill the vacancy. 

Mr. Westervelt having expressed his desire to resign tlie pastoral 
charge of the congregation, a special meeting of Presbytery was held at 
Bloomsbury, July 2. 18G1. After hearing Mr. Westervelt, and Spencer 
C. Smith, the commissioner from the congregation, the ])astoral relation 



First Presbyterian Church of Bloom^buri/. 



'^o 



was dissolved. The church was granted leave to supply its own pulpit, 
and Rev. Mr. Tully was appointed to declare the pulpit vacant, on the 
succeeding Sabbath. During the pastorate of Mr. Westervelt forty-one 
persons had been received into the church, sixteen on profession and 
twenty-iive by certificate. These with the Ibrty-two who came in at 
the organization, made a membership of eighty-three, Jan. 13. 18G1. 
Seven couples had been married and nineteen infants had been bap- 
tized. 



CHAPTER in. 

PRELIMINARIES TO REUNION. PASTORATE OF 
REV. MR. VAN DYKE. 

CaMing of second pastor. Church transferred from Newto7i to Raritan Pres- 
bytery. Revival of 1861. Sabbath school work. Dissensions. Outposts at 
Garrao?i\s, Bethlehem and Franklin school houses. Election of additional elder 
and deamns. Reunion. Pastor^ s salary increased. Church injured by light- 
ning. Resignation of second pastor. 

On July 7. 1861, session invited Mr. Joseph S. VanDyke, a licentiate 
of the Presbytery of Elisabethtown, to preach the next Sabbath as a 
candidate for the pastoral office in the congregation, with the under- 
standing that subsequent oppOTtunity to preach would be afforded by 
session. This invitation was accordingly accepted by Mr. VanDyke. 
On July 21. he was invited again to preach as a candidate on two suc- 
ceeding Sabbaths, which invitation he also accepted. On Aug. 4. sess- 
ion received two petitions of like import signed by one hundred and 



20 i^'/yvs/ I*rcsb{jti:rkiii C/turch of Bhoinabiiry. 

tliiity six juembers and siipi>orters ot'the cliiircli, I'equesting; theai to 
call ;i meeting- for tlie election of a pastor. The request was. j;raute(l 
and the time for the meeting' \vas lixed for Tuesday. Aug. (J., at 2 o'clock 
V. 31, Elders James Bird and VVm. Tinsmau wer<', api)ointed a coin- 
jnittee to invite liev. George C. Bush to preside at the Jneeting. The 
(•ongvegation acconlingly met on Aug. G., Mr. Bush presiding, at which 
time Mr. VanDyke was elected jiastor, ou a salary of $050, payable 
semiannually. The (;all was signed by all the officers of the chur(;h 
l)resent and attested by the moderator and secretary of the meeting. 

On Aug. 24., the (piestion of holding services at Hawk's school house 
was discussed and ehler Smith was appointed to accompany the pastor 
elect to that point to ascertain if such service was desirable. 

Sep. 2iJ. in accordance with action previously taken in congregation- 
al meeting, session recorded the appointment of S. C. Smith and Daniel 
Williamson as commissioners to prosecute the call for Mr. VanDyke 
before the Piesbytery. These gentlemen accordingly ai)peared in Pres- 
bytery and performed the duty assigned them. Oct. 10. Mr. VanDyke 
preached his ordination sermon and was installed pastor of the churchr 

In 1<S(JL the Bloomsbury church, with others, was transferred' from 
the Piesbytery of Newton to that of liaritan. In December of this 
year there was considerable religious interest manifested in the congre- 
gation, and on the 14. and 15. of that month, twenty-two of tire young 
])eople were iwlmitted to church membership by profession of fcheir faith 
in Christ, besides others by certiticate. A series of special services was 
arranged and neighboring ministers invited to . assist in the same. 
Dec. 28. a meeting of session was hehl at which two questions were. con- 
sidered, viz: "1. To consider the propriety of having a meeting of sess- 
ion for tlici purpose of receiving to church membership those desirous of 
ai)plying with a view of making their public profession at our next 
coiiununion. 2. To consider the propriety of granting the privilege of 
communing with the Cxreenwich church to-morrow, to such new converts 
as shall have passed the session and desire it." The session decided to 
hold a meeting for the examination of apphcants, but did not accord to 
tlMMii the privilege ol' communing at Greenwich before making a publiir 



First Frti?bytcr id H Church of Blovni^burij. '11 

profession of their faith. Session a<;cordingly met Jan. '6. 1802 and i o. 
ceived by profession of faith in Christ, twelve persons, and resolved to 
continne the series of meetings which had been in progress iq) to this 
time. It was also resolved that a special communion season be observ- 
ed on the first Sabbath of February. On Feb. 1. and 1'. ti^'e wore n;- 
ceived by profession and five by certificate. 

March 20. 18C2, the congregation elected Theodore Gardner, Josei)h 
C. Smith and Wm. Vliet trustees. March 23. it was decided that the 
sacrament of the Lord's supper should be administered four times a 
year, viz : on second Sabbath ot February, May, August and November. 

May 11. the subject of the Sabbath school was discussed and the pas- 
tor was requested, at his convenience, to enlighten the congregation as 
to its wants and their duty in relation thereto. 

Aug. 10. the subject of petitioning Synod to return tlie church from 
the care of the Eari tan to its former relations with the Presbytery of 
Newton was discussed, and Sep. 28. it was decided to convene the con- 
gregation to obtain an expression of their opinion in the matter. The 
congregational meeting was held Oct. 11. 1862, at which time it was de- 
cided to remain in connection with th^ Presbytery of Karitau. 

Notwithstanding there hjwl been in past, evidences of the Holy Spir- 
it's presence among the people, it soon became manifest that the Evil 
one was also busy. Dissensions arosjC which distracted the church and 
impeded the progress of the work. A number absented themselves 
from the ordinances and in other respects manifested their indisposition 
to cooperate with the church in its work. The matter became so fla- 
grant as to demand the official consideration of it by the session. Ac- 
cordingly at a meeting of session held Jan. 24. 1864, "The i)astor made 
a statement of the unhappy dissensions in the church, and proposed 
that a committee of the session be appointed to visit those who by their 
absence from the stated ordinances and services of the church have 
seemed to be alienated in feeling. After serious discussion the meas- 
ure was approved, and session entertained the hope that through the 
guidings of the providence of God this course prayerfully pursued will 



28 First I'vcsbijicrtdii Clno'ih of Blootnsbury. 

bring about reconciliation and peace iu our beloved Ziou. The pastor 
with elders Bird and Tiiisnian were appointed on this coinmittee. The 
<'()!iiniittee reported Oct. 14. that "In 'most cases they found cause for 
encouragenieut and believe that they will return to their duty in the 
cliurcli, but in one case; they entertain no hope of return." 

Xotwithstandiiig' the discouraging aspect of aliairs in the congrega- 
tion, the worlc of carrying the truth to tliose who were on the outskirts 
was not neglected. Marcli 27. 18G4. it was decided that preaching ser- 
vices should be held thereafter every fourth Sabbath alternately at Gar- 
rison's, Bethlehem and Franklin school houses. At the latter place the 
attendance was large and interesting and indicative of good in the fu- 
ture. On this account the second service at the church was to be held 
only on(;e a month. At this time the pastor reported favorably of the 
attendance at the outposts and that the prospects of the church were 
brightening. It was thus made manifest that the judicious use of the 
means of grace had not been without eft'ect in correcting some of the 
evils existing in the congregation. 

Apr. 1. 1800, it was arranged to hold a congregational meeting on 
Apr. 11. for the purpose of electing one elder, five trustees and two 
deacons. The meeting was held a(;cording to appointment, at which 
time Henry V. Brittain was elected elder; Charles E. Williamson, M(>- 
ses Robins and Charles Petty, deacons; Wm. Vliet, Abram Hance, Jos- 
eph W. Willever, Theodore Gardner, Robert I. Smith, Daniel William- 
son and Wm Welsh, trustees. It was decided to ordain the elder aiul 
deacons elect the ensuing Sabbath. 

In the hitter i)art of 1800 the oflBcers of the church felt the import- 
ance of arousing the people to a greater activity and more unreserved 
consecration to the Master's work. Accordingly on Nov. 11. 1800, it 
was arranged to hold a sessional prayer meeting on the first Sabbath of 
each month, and a communicants prayer meeting ea^li Sabbath previ- 
ous to (communion. Whilst thus looking after the internal welfare of 
the congregation the session was not blind to the great interests of Zi- 
on in lioneral. At this time Ww question of reunion of the two branch- 



J^^tr^t Frcbbtjtcriiut Church of Bloom^buri/. . 20 

es of the church WHS claiiiiiijg the attention ol" the peoi)le. To yhoAv 
their interest in the matter the session, on Sep. 22. 18G7, instructed its 
delegate to Syno<l to support Synotlical action loolcing- to the reunion of 
the Presbyterian church, ;mh1 thus revealed its attitude toward tlie 
great result which was consunnuated in 1870. 

At the close of this year the people took couuueudable action in the 
matter of the pastor's salary, as will be seen by the loUowing record: 

"Bloomsbury, Dec. 28. 18G7. Wheieas the Presbytery of Karitan at 
its late meeting passed a resolution requesting tlie ofticers of our church- 
es to inquire into the sufficiency of the salaries of the pastors of our 
churches, the congregation of the First Church of Bloomsbury being 
called for such purpose by request of the officers, wdio having inquired 
into the case ot our pastor, the Rev. Joseph S. VanDyke, have found 
such to be the case in regard to our pastor. Accordingly a meeting- 
was called for the purpose of raising the pastor's salary. Said meeting 
apjwinted a committee of five persons (trustees of the church) to assess 
the pews of our church to raise the present salary to one thousand dol- 
lars. Accordingly the pews were assessed to raise that amount." 

Following upon the increasing of the pastor's salary, the people were 
called upon to meet an additional expense. This arose from the church 
needing repairs as seM.n from the following record, viz: 

"Bloomsbury, Marcli 28. 1868. In pursuance of regular notice, a_con- 
gregatioiuil meeting was held in this church, organized by appointing 
Wm. J. Smith, president, and Henry R. Kennedy, secretary. ^The fol- 
lowing preainble and resolutions were adopted: 
Whereas the steeple and other parts of our church need repairs, therefore 

Resolved that the trustees be and hereby are empowered to repaint 
and repair the church as they deem necessary, the expenditure therefor 
not to exceed three hundred dollars." 

"The present board of trustees was unanimously reelected for the en- 
suing term of one year." 

At a meeting duly called on May 1. 1869, the congregation united 
with the pastor in asking the Presbytery of Raritan to dissolve the pas- 



;jO First Fn.-ibijtcrlan Church of BtuumsbKrij. 

tuiiil iclatiou cxistiiij^" between him iiiid them that he might <icuei)t a 
call to the Second rresbyterian Church of Cranbury, N. J. 

Daniel Williamson and Wm. Tinsman were appointed coiiimissioners 
to communicate the action of the ciiurch to the Presbytery. The Pres- 
lyytery dissolve<l the pastoral relation May 4. 1S()<J. During this i)a.stor- 
ale of a little juore than seven years and a half, there were received in- 
to the chui'ch one hnndre<l and seventeen persons, «eventy-ttiree by 
profession of their faith in Christ, and forty-four by certificate. There 
were united in marriage thirty-eight couples, and twenty-nine children 
were ba])tized. Under Mr. YanDyke's ministry the ]natter of church 
discipline m as not neglected ; seven cases were taken up and disposed of. 



CHAPTER IV. 

PASTORATE 01^ REV. MR- SCOTT. BUILDING OF 

I^ARSONAGE. 

Piirmnage. Sacramental occnsiom. Call of third pastor. Congregation re- 
(ll.-<trirtr(l Revival of 1S70. Outpod vmrk declining. Congregational ride.^. 
Church returns to Newton Presbytery. Reunion. Memorvd fund. Pastor^ x 
fiulary increnxed. John P. Stnith legacy. Sexkyn?s duties. Storm injure-'i church. 

At th(^ close oi'Mr. VanDyke's pastorate it became mtinifest to the 
congregation that the erection of a parsonage was essential to the pros- 
l)erity of the church. It was found that with the amount of salary 
whicii tlu> I'l'ople felt able to pay, the pastor could not rent a house, 
maintain his family and at the same tinre devote himself to the pastor- 
al work with that efhciencv which the circumstances of tlie ease seemed 



J^lrst Presbijicridn Church of JJluoiii.shtiri/. ol 

to require. Accordingly at the meetiug" of the cougiegcitioii ]\Iay 1. tlie 
following; action Avas taken relative to the building of ai parsoiiiigo: 

^^Wherea-i the people of thits chiu'ch and congregation liavc long iolc 
the im[>ortance of possessing a i)ar.sonage, and in the early ])c)io(l of 
the organization of this church, a piece of ground was purchased for 
such building, and 

Whereas cartiihi members of this churcli have voluntarily gone amidst 
the congregation and submitted the nuitter to respective heads of lami- 
lies with a view to obtain their opinion, and if favorable, to solicit sub- 
scriptions toward the immediate ere(;tion of such edifice, and 

Whereas the unanimous sentiment is favorable, and liberal donations 
have been subscribed and assured, amounting to about '$18o0, and oth- 
er gentlemen of the congregation and neighborhood having expressed a 
determination to give when the building shall be in a state of progress, 
therefore it is 

Resolred that a building committee be appointed and the work com- 
jiienced immediately." 

The building committee appointed consisted of Messrs. John Peters 
and Moses Kobius. As we have intimated, the people had secured by 
purchase from Mr. Adam Runkle, in 1858, a lot of ground adjoining 
that donated by him for the site of the church building. Upon this 
piece of ground, which lay directly south of the church lot, the parson- 
age was erected. After a few unimportant additions and changes, it 
furnishes a commodious and comfortable home for the pastor of the 
church, being 22 by 59 feet, ground plan, and containing twelve apart- 
ments exclusive of halls, pantries, attics &c. A congregational meetiug 
was held Xov. 9. 18G9,at which time the committee appointed May 1. of 
that year, to build the parsonage, made the following report, viz : 
Contract price $2200.00 

Extras 42.25 

Labor and material by congregation not included 243.28 

Total $2485.53 



lur^t Prcihijlcrian Clmrch of JBlootnshurif. 

Amount on subsciiption, paid and uni)iiid ^I'OO.J.OO 

Biiliincc due and uni):iid 4813.5.') 



Total $li48r>.5o 

The cnmniittee in charge was continued to collect the balance of the 
Kubsciiptions, alter which tlie trustees were authorized to assume the 
remainder of the indebtedness. The thanks of the cony:regation hav- 
ing been bestowed upon the comniittee Avho built the ])arsonage, atten- 
tion was imniediately turned, at this meeting, Nov. ()., to the matter of 
erecting a barn for the use of the i)astors. In the interest of this ob- 
ject Henry K. KtMinedy i)urchased a lot from the New Jersey Central 
11. K. Co., which adjoined the church lot on the north and which fronted 
on the centre street of the village. This lie donated to the congrega- 
tion, and in duo time the desired building was erected thereon. 

During the vacancy succeeding INIr. VanDyke's i)astorate, a number 
of ministers preached for the peo[>le, among whom we find the names 
of llev. Messrs. Jameson, Kugler, Dole, Deruelle, Simonson, Grant, Car- 
rol and Scott. The session decided, June 5. IS(JJ), to invite three of 
these ministers to preach three successive Sabbaths, as caiuli<lates, 
commencing June 1.'3. The ministers to be invited were llev. Messrs. 
John Simonson, Daniel Deruelle and A. G. Dole. 

July 11. the times of observing the sacrament of the Lord's su]>])er 
were changed from the second Sabbath in February, May, August and 
November resi)ectively, to the second Sabbath in May, September and 
January, thus having three sacramental occasions instead of four. At 
this time record was made of the fact that the above named clergymen 
IkuI preached to the congregation as arranged, including also Kev. H. 
r>. Scott, who had bc^en informally invited. It %vas thought the people 
Avere ready to elect a pastor, and the session called a congregational 
meeting, to convene July 17., to take action in the 7uatte.r. Elder 
James Bird was apj)ointed a committee to invite Kev. J. B. Kugler to 
preside on the occasion. The meeting was held as appointed, at which 
Rev. H. r>. Scott was elected pastor. 

On August L';>. of this year (1801)) the congregation was again divi- 



First Fresbt/ta'km Church of Bloviiiabarij. 88 

ded up, rts it lijid beeii done previously, iuto districts ;is follows, viz : 

'"'■Resolved that all the population located south of the Muscoiietcoiig' 
river, and east of the north and south avenue, including the families of 
George W. Ra<;e and Charles Petit, be conlided to the care ol" (^Ider 
Win. Tinsman; all the population loi^ated south of Bird street and east 
of Church street (in the village of Bloomsbury), be confided to the care 
of ehler James Bird; all the population located north of Bird street and 
west of Church street, be confided to the care of elder Wm. J. Smith; 
all the population located north of the Musconettsong river, be confided 
to the care of elder Henry 11. Kennedy." 

In the early part of 1870 another manifestation of the especial pres- 
ence of the Holy Spirit in the congregation was enjoyed. Jan. 8. seven 
were received on profession of faith, and on the 2,'J. of the same month, 
thirty-six were admitted A si)ecial sacramental occasion was observed 
on the 30. of the month for the special benefit of those who had been 
admitted to the church. At the close of the pastorate of Mr. VanDyke 
it seems the outpost preaching was discontinued. The matter however 
was discussed again May 7. 1870, at which time Mr. Scott expressed his 
intention to preach occasionally during the summer, at Garrison's school 
house. 

June II. 1870, "The trustees elected to serve the church for this year, 
met this day and were duly organized. The following persons were 
elected as the annual officers of the board: Mr. Daniel Williamson, 
president; Mr. Theodore Gardner, secretary; Mr. Kobert I. Smith, 
treasurer. *Mr. Abraui Hance was appointed a committee to keep the 
church and parsonage in repair and see that all necessary repairs are 
promptly attended to &c.; Mr. E. I. Smith, a committee to rent pews 
and see to the collection of the same." The following rules and by-laws 
were unanimously adopted : 

"The secretary shall keep a strict account of all business ; of all mon- 
Gy raised and the object for which it has been raised, and the object for 
which it has been appropriated, and that a strict account in Avriting 
shall be annually submitted to the congregation, when a committee 



o4 J^lrst Fri-^bykria)i Church of Bloomsburt/. 

shall be appointed to examine and andit the accounts of secretary and 
ti'casurer. 

"The ^rnstees shall appmpriate all moneys to the special object lor 
which said money was raised or collected. No money shall be other- 
wise appropriated unless by a two thirds vote of the board at its regu- 
lar meeting. 

"In order to meet the wishes of all and remove the objections of 
some, the following laws were uiauimously adopted by the congiega- 
tion on Feb. 9. 1850, and reaffirmed on Apr. 1. 1870." 

Rule I. No pew in the middle aisle shall be rented by halves, or to 
two families or individuals, when one family desires to rent and occupy 
the same. 

llULE II. That the practice of renting one half pews to communi- 
cants of more than three i)ersons in the familj' be hereafter discontin- 
ued, as being an infringement on the rights of fellow communicants. 

Rule III. All communicants and all hesids of families who are com- 
municants, shall be reijuired to furnish themselves and families with 
sittings in the church, i 

Rule IV. Each party renting a pew shall he held responsible for 
said rent, and no person shall in any case be permitted to sublet or rent 
any part of said pew. 

Rule V. All single persons who are communicants, shall be re<iuir- 
ed to pay for one sitting, unless such ar(5 minors or females who are 
provided with sittings by their parents. 

Rule VI. The church is unanimously resolved that the above rules 
sliall be carried out in all cases, and that no change or addition shall 
be made thereto unless due notice has been given and a regular meet- 
ing of the congregation called for the puriwse. 

In 1870, at the reunion of the two branches of the Presbyterian 
church , this congregation was again placed under the care of the Pres- 
bytery of Newton, the name being placed upon the roll June 22. Dec. 
1 7. it was determined by session to raise 11500 as tliis congregation's 



First Prtibyter'nni Chunk of B(oomsbur>/. 35 

part of the "Memorial Fund" for the consummatiou of the union be- 
tween the two branches of the church. 

Apr. 8. 1871, at a congregational meeting, "It was on motion drcided 
that the congregation now elect two new trustees to till the vacancy 
now in the board, occasioned by the expiration of the term of oltice of 
two of the board. The following pervsons were elected again for the 
term of six years: Abram Hance, Joseph W. Willever. It was then 
on motion decided that we now reelect the whole board, and it was car- 
ried unanimously." At a congregational meeting held Jan. 20. 1872, it 
was decided to increase the pastor's salary to $120U per annum. In or- 
der to meet this^additional sum, Henry R. Kennedy, Wm. S. Hulsizer 
and Joseph C. Smith were appointed a committee to act with the trus- 
tees in assessing an amount, not exceeding $200, pro rata upon the 
pews, except the two front ones in the middle block. The trustees 
were also instructed to declare A'acant any pews on which the full 
amount of rental was not paid. July 14. 1872, session resolved to main- 
tain a sessional monthly concert of prayer upon the last Saturday of 
ejicli month. 

We find at this period of the church's history that those who were its 
friends in life did not fail to remember it in death. This is shown by a 
minute adopted in congregational meeting, Nov. 23. 1872, which is iSelf 
explanatory and which is as follows: 

" Wherem at a previous meeting of the congi-egation held in the 
church, the board of trustees were appointed a committee to ^raise a 
given sum of $1500 in order to secure a legacy left this church in the 
will of John P. Smith, deceased, asked to be relieved, and move that 
the elders of the church serve in their stead." This legacy was duly 
secured by the congregation. 

A congregational meeting was held July 20. 1872, for the purpose of 
electing trustees and attending to other matters of importance. Ow- 
ing to the fewness of the persons present, the meeting abjoiu-ned to 
meet on the 27. of the^ same month. The congregation accordingly 
convened at that time and elected Joseph C. Smith and John S. Carter 



3(5 jFlrst Fre-^liyteriaa Clninh of Bloouisbmif. 

trustees. At this meeting the following action Wiis taken with rel'er- 
ence to the legacy bequeathed to the congregation by John P. Smith, 
•li'ceased, viz : 

"II7(e/m>' the hiie .T(>hn P. Smith, ol' t!ie township of Greenwich, 
county of Warren, and st;itc of New Jersey, in his last will and testa- 
ment did bequeath to the First Presbyterian Church of Bloomsbury, in 
the county of Hunterdon, state aforesaid, the sum of one thousand dol- 
lars upon the condition that the said church raise in actual cash the 
sum of lifteen hundnMl dollars within one year after the decease of said 
donor, John P. Smith, aforesaid, therefore be it 

Resolve:}., that the congregation of the First Presbyterian Church of 
Bloomsbury having been duly called to meet on this 27. day of July, 
1872, for the transaction of congregational business, do instruct and au- 
thorize the trustees of said church to raise the sum of fifteen hundred 
dollars, aiul so comply with the conditi(mK in said bequest." 

On Apr. 14. 187.i, the trustees took decisive action with reference to 
delinquents in pew rent; they resolved that the names of all delin- 
(pients in i>ayment of their pew rent, with the several amounts, shouhl 
be conspicuously posted in the vestibule of the church for the space of 
twenty days, and if said pew rent remained unpai<l at the expiration of 
the above time, the accounts should be placed in legal hands for collec;- 
tion. At the same time the following rules were adopted for the gov- 
ernment of the sexton: 

First. King the bell at the stated hours Jis given by the proper au- 
thority of the church. 

Second. Sweej) the bcxly of the church, gallery &c., once each 
month; dust the sea^s every two weeks ; basement to be kept clean, 
and all ashes, coal, cinders &c., to be kept from around the furnaces, 
and all unburut coal to be screened — the church to furnish the screen. 

Third. Lamps to be properly tilled, trimmed and cleansed uot less 
frequently than once in two weeks, or oftener if circumstances require it. 

Fourth. Fires to be built at the direction of the proper authorities 
;ts (hev iit lieir discretion mav deem necessarv. 



/'Vr.s/ Pro^h^kvkui Cliuvcli of lt((jviif.s[)t(r>/. 87 

Fifth. Gates to be pioiJeily opeiied^^iuid closed, and chuicli jiiouiKLs 
to be kept clear of all loose mbbisli ; tlie walks &c. to be ke[)( elear (»!' 
snow and other obstructions. 

8rxTH. The g'rave-yard to be mowed twice each year, once in fliine, 
uud once ill September, and not later in each nioiitli than the 15., the 
grass to be removed from the yard. The eaith irom the graves to be 
removed from each plot within one nionth from the time of digging of 
the grave, the <lirt to be removed to any part of the yard designated 
by the trustees, the dirt removed to be properly leveled. 

Seventh. The prices for digging graves shall not be less than three 
(lollars uor exceed five dollars, the distinction to be made by the size of 
the grave. He shall open and prepare the church for all servi(;es held 
therein whether tor funerals or other meetings. 

The committee appointed to raise the $1500 reported Apr. 18. 187o, 
that they had "Eighteen hundi«ed and fifty dollars ou subscrii)tion, a 
portion ot which remained uncollected." At this meeting the old board 
of trustees Avas reelected; Moses Kobins and Wm. S. Gardner were 
elected to fill valiancies occasioned by the resignation of Joseph C. 
Snjith and removal of Wm. S. Sunth. At this meeting action was ta- 
ken with reference to taking down the spire of the church and rebuild- 
ing the same, it having been struck by lightning. Wju. S. Gardner 
was appointed to have charge of these repairs. The trustees were duly 
autliorized to employ a sexton at a salary not to exceed $100. At a 
meeting of the congregation held May 3. 1873, pursuant to adjournment 
on Apr. 18., the following action was taken relative to the spire of the 
church : "Kesolved, that in view of the state of the steeple &c., that the 
trustees be authorized to proceed at once to repair it." 

This year again we find evidence of disaft'ection in the congregation. 
On June 10. the session made the following minute : "The subject of 
the absence of many members of the church from the sacrament of the 
Lord's supper elicited careful consideration and a determination to ex- 
amine into the causes and endeavor by God's guidance to overcome 
tlie evil." June 28. 1873, the trustees held a meeting, at MJiieli it was 



3y Fir-it Pr(s/)ijhraiii Cliarth of JJIouNi.ihirrt/. 

"Kt'solved that the lesohitioii in regard to posting (h^liuquents, be car- 
ried out, niid tliat the secretary be authorized to carry it into effect." 
At the same meeting it was '^lesolved that the services of lion. Jolm 
T. j>ird be secured to assist tli«; church in securing' tJie legacy of the 
late John P. Smith." "A notice fiom the solicitor of the estate of the 
late John P. Smith, notifying the board to appear in chancery at Tren- 
ton, N. J., on July 10. LS7;5, was then read, and on motion Daniel Will- 
iamson was authorized to boiTow the will of the late John P. Smith 
from his widow for a short time for the use of the church in the matter 
of the legacy." 

July 28. l.S7.">, the trustees met. "On juotion it was resolved to post- 
i>one notices of delinquents until the church should be ready for servi- 
ces." From this it would a]>])e,ir thai, the repairs consequent ujion the 
chun'-h's being struck by liglitning were now in juogress. It was deci- 
ded at this time to have the vestibule fiescoed in oil instead of water 
colors as originally agreed upon. In coujiection Avitli repairs ui)on the 
churcii there were some repairs made at the parsonage at tliis time. 
The ladies now raised money and refurnished the church and had the 
same neatly frescoed. At a meeting of the congregation held Aug. 14. 
1873, the following action was taken with reference to repairs ui)on the 
church : 

"7Vfoo/(Tf/, that the trustees of (he First Presbyterian Ciuuch of 
Blooujsbury be instructed by said congregation to expend the balance 
of money on hand to finish painting said church in the inside, and on 
the outside if deemed necessary, and to cari)et said church, together 
with any other rei)airs, if needed; and tluit the trustees shall give an 
order on the treasurer for the anumnt, who is authorized to pay tlie 
same out of the funds in his hands, that are not otherwise appropria- 
ted." 

The danuige to the church by lightning was assessed and i)aid by 
the insurance comi)anies issuing the policies upon the building. It was 
out of t hese funds the abovc^ refeired to expenses were to be i)aid. The 
trustees of the church felt that this was not a proper application of the 
fiiiKls in question and accordingly, in a me«»ting lield Aug. 2'o. tliey 



i'Trus/ rrtshijkriKn CJtunJt vf Bluvinaburij. oO 

'•''Rewlced lluit the board of tiustees do hereby express tlieir dissatis- 
Itictiou with the action of the congregational meeting lield on Aug. 14., 
in regard to tlie disposition of the moneys received from tlie insnrance 
companies, said action being in op[)OHition to the expressed wish of the 
whole board at a previous meeting, and it was further 

B&ioh-cd, that a copy of tliis resohition be forwarded to the secretary 
of each insurance company." The contract for painting the churcli 
was then awarded, and Wm. S. Gardner, Theodore Tinsnuin and John 
S. Carter were appointed a committee on speciflcations, and to oversee 
the work. 



CHAPTER V. 

PASTORATE OF REV. MR. SCOTT CONTINUED- 
DIFFICULTIES. 

CJii/rch to be used only for worship. Envelope system. Additional elder elect- 
ed. Btirlal (/round enlarged. Louise F. Kennedy Fund. Di.^sensioiis before 
Presbytery. Resignation of third pastor. 

At a meeting of tlie session held Jan 31. 187d, there was an inter- 
change of opinion on the subject of church liuauces and a determina- 
tion manifested to "coiTect seeming irregularities of system." Also the 
repeatedly recurring "subject of absenteeism occupied the attention of 
session." The latter subject came up again in session Feb. 5., at which 
time three elders were appointed a committee to interview the churcli 
members who are habitually absent from church ordinances. At this 
same meeting tlie following action was taken, viz: 



-10 i'/V.s/ Pi\'shtjkfiaii. C/icrc/i uf l)/<)oin.'</ji/r>/. 

'•H'A'/vv/s this clmi'ch edifice was dedicated unto the Great Head of 
(lie eliuicli, for the us(> of Iiis worsliij), iuul 

]\'/i('r('ji.'> exliibitions and sliows of a churcli desecrating;' cliaraeter, 
injuriously affect the cause of religion and hinder spiritual growth, 
therefore 

Rr-M)lve(l that this cluirch shall be used for the Lord's worship and the 
maintenance of his ordinances, and any uses derogatory thereto will 
not be i)er]nitted." 

The financial condition of tlie church at tliis time seems to have been 
satisfactory, as shown by the following action taken in congregational 
meeting, Apr. 11. 1874, viz: 

"i?^sf>'(;c/ that a vote of thanks b;i tendered to Win. J. Smith and 
llobert I. Smith f )r their eUicient services in raising money, and their 
great financial ability in thus liaving raised sufficient funds to liquidate 
tlie indebtedness of the church." 

At tliis meeting it was decided that the number of trustees shouhl be 
thre(5, and Mose.^ Kobins, Wm. Dairy mple and John Stute were elected 
to that office. It was also directed that the pew rents should be c )1- 
lected quarterly. I)ui)licates were to be made out one month previous 
to the time when the nmts were due and two collectors were to receive 
the money, one for Warren and ojie for Hunterdon county. There be- 
ing now only three trustees, they met Apr. 28. 1874, and assigned to 
each one his special <luties. Moses Robins was to act as secretary and 
treasurer of the l)oard ; Wm Dalrymple was to attend to tlie furnishing 
of the church with coal, oil, lamps &e. John Stute was to see to need- 
ful repairs about the parsonage, employ sexton «SuC. Mr. Stute was 
elected i)resident of the board, Nov. 28. of this year. 

Tiie question of collections for the boards of the church came u]) in 
session May 8. 1874, and the card and envelope system was adopted. 

The question of absenteeism came up again in session May 26. 1874, 
at which time three members of session were appointed committees to 
visit certain delinquents with regard to their duties. These conunittees 
re]»orted June <l. that the i)arties interviewed, excei)t one. ex[>ressed 



First Presbyta'iau Chtn'tJi <>/ Bluvinsburij. 41 

Avilliiigness to return to dut;\'. At this meeting" however an elder wa.s 
appointed to interview anotlier delinquent. lieport was ina.<le on de- 
linqueneieN June 20., but with no detlnite result. June 27. session ji])- 
pointed another committee to visit certain other delincjueiits . The 
committee reported July 18,, but no detinite action was taken ui)on tlie 
report. The (piestion of family visitation was considered by session on 
Sep. 20. but no definite action taken thereon. The same subject, wajs 
up Sep. 24. and two elders were appointed to commence a iamily visita- 
tion the next week. All these things go to show that there was an. uu^ 
settled state of aflairs among the people which was causing anxJet;^i:jf 
among the members of session. Apr. G. 1875, whilst certain cases of ^ 
scandal IumI claimed the attention of session, citations were issued for . 
the appearance of some of those who had been visited by committees, 
to answer for their absence from the ordinances. 

Whilst the overseers of the spiritual attairs of the church are thus 
seen to be actively engaged in the duties devolving upon them, we tind 
the secular officers were not idle. At a meeting of the trustees, Oct. 9. 
1875, the following action was taken : "Resolved that we, as trustees, 
in the transaction of official business, adopt as the seal of the First 
Presbyterian Church of Bloomsbury, a red seal, commonly called a wa- 
fer, such as was used at the in(5orporation of said church." "It was fur- 
ther resolved that the president of the board of trustees (Mr. John 
Stute) be and hereby is authorized to execute a release and quit claim 
to Mrs. Sarah E. G. Smith, executrix of John P. Smith deceased, in the 
name and in the behalf of the First Presbyterian Church of Bloomsbu- 
ry, New Jersey." The matter was duly attended to and the proper rec- 
ords nnide relative thereto, thus securing to the congregation Mr. 
Smith's legacy. At the same meeting of the trustees (Oct^ 0!! 1875), 
"It was further resolved that no one of the said board of trustees of the 
First Presbyterian Church of Bloomsbury contract any debts to tlie 
amount of five dollars and upward in behalf of said church without the 
consent of the whole board of trustees of said church." Feb. 14. 187(5, 
"at a meeting of the trustees and elders of the First Presbyterian 
Church, held this day, it was resolved that the congregation adopt the 



42 i'T/'.is/ Pre-'ibutcrlaii Church of Hioomsharjj. 

curd find envelope system lor the coining year lor the pnriwse ol" rais- 
ing money to defray the incidental expenses of the chnrch, and for 
missionary and sabbath-school pnr[)oses of said church." March 27. of 
til is year (1876), the congregation held a meeting at which time the 
subject of electing additional elders was considered. It was decided to 
ele(;t but one at this time. Acconlingly the following iHirsons were 
nominated, viz: Moses Robins, John S. Carter, John Hance, Wm. S. 
Hulsizer, Robert I. Smith, ThecMlore Tinsman and Joseph Willever. 
The vote being taken it was found Moses Robins was duly elected. 
The session met on Apr. 8. an<l arranged that the ordination of Mr. 
Robins as elder shouhl take place on Sabbath 16. inst. following. The 
same day (Ai)r. 8. 1876.) there was a congregational meeting held, at 
which time Moses Robins, Valentine Young and John Stute were elect- 
ed trustees. At this time also the 'f]()CO legacy of John P. Smith was 
put at interest, and it was decided that "The interest only of said leg- 
acy of one thousand dollars be used by said churcli without the consent 
of two thirds of said congregation at a regularly called meeting of said 
congregation." The same day in congregational meeting assembled, it 
was "Resolved that the pews of those who shall neglect to pay th j as- 
sessment on the same within ten davs after it shall become due, shull 
be declared vacant." As wius customnry, the trustees elected at this 
meeting, organized by electing John Stute president; and Moses Rob- 
ins secretary- and treasurer. Mr. Stute was appointed to look after re- 
pairs about the parsonage, employ sexton &c.; and Mr. Young was to 
attend to the procuring of coal, oil, lamps &c. In minutes of session 
Apr. 17. 1876, we tind further evidence of the disturbed internal condi- 
tion of the church. Complaint had been made to session with refer- 
ence to alleged "unchristian action of two members of this chunjh." 
an elder was appointed to notify tlui complainant that the session was 
ready to take up the csise. Thereupon "the clerk was ordered to trans- 
mit a letter of citation to said [complainant] requiring him to appear 
before session on the 27. of Ainil, at 2 o'clock, V. M., to conftirm the 
charges or give reasons why they should be withdrawn." In connec- 
tion with the same matter the session received, on A]>r. 27., "a letter 



Fird rrc.^hiilcrltm Chunhof Bloom. ^hiir;j. [Z 

fioiii [coinplaiiiaiit] wliicli wa.s <leeiij('(l intuljiiissible becauHc oritslH'iii;; 
informal, and the Hiibjcct matter was continned and the dei k was oi- 
<lered to transjuit a letter of citation to [compiainantj reqnirin^ him lo 
appear Ixsfore sesaion re'^.irdin;^ certain charges by him imidc a,u;iinst 
certain two members of this (;imrch, at a meeting to be hehl on Sutur- 
<lay, the .sixteenth of May ensning, in tlie chui(;h, at li o'<-lock P. M." 

At tliis same meeting (Ai>r. \il. 187(i) a nniinber of tlie church asked 
for a letter of dismission to unite witli tlie Greenwic^li Presbyterian 
church. The cmise of this was recognized to Ik5 the distnrl»ed state of 
urt'airs in the churcii. Accordingly an el<ler was a]>iK)inted a committee 
to advise with the a[)i>licant with reference to the matter. This how- 
ever wjis of no avail and the meniber took iiis certificate, Mar. G., and 
joined the neighboring church, together with three others who left for 
the Maine reasons that actuated him. 

At the meeting of May 0., the complainant above referred to "appear- 
ed before session and asked leave to withdraw certain avowed intention 
of making charges against certain two memljer« of this church." The 
request was grante<l and so the matter ended. The elders who had 
been appointed to make family visitations, reported May 13. 1870, "that 
they received much cordiality from the iKiople and invitations to renew 
their visits." At this time (May 13. 1870) two more members were dis- 
missed to join the neighl>oring church of Greenwich, the cause being 
the unsettled condition of the church. 

Apr. 7. 1877, the people assembled in congregational meeting and 
elected Wm. Tinsman, Valentine Young and Moses Kobins trustees. 
Mr. Young declined to serve and John Hance wa« elected in his place. 
The same day the trustees held a meeting, at which Wm. Tinsman was 
elected president; John Hance secretary; and Moses Kobins treasurer. 

Aug. ;30. the i?iternal commotions of the church again c<jme to the 
surface in sessional meeting. The committee appointed to wait ujjon 
certain absentees was continued with instructions to report at the 
meeting to be held on Saturday, the 8. of September ensuing." 

The congregation held a meeting Dec. 8. 1877, for the purpose of en- 



44 Jbir.st Frcsbtjlcrkui C/tanh of B/uuinsburi/. 

laij;iii^ the Imrijil grouiul. At this time the following' iiction was ta- 
ken, viz : 

Rc6')lved i. That the (wo lots, iifty loet cacli, niakin«;- one hnndred 
leet by one hundred and litty leet, and lying contiguous to the gnive- 
.\ ard, and purchased for burial i)ur[)oses, be enclosed on three sides 
with a good substantial fence, and the said grounds put in i)roper con- 
dition for burial i)ur[>oses. 

Resolved 2. Tiiat the money received from sai«l lands or plots be set 
apart and not used for other pur[K)ses. 

Resolved 3. Tiiat the price for lots sold be the sanie as the old plots, 
and sold only for cash or on good and approved security. 

Dec. 31. 1877, the dissensions in the congTegation are again noticed 
by session. The committee in one case of absenteeism "reported favor- 
ably." At the same time two elders were api>ointed a committee to 
wait up'>n certain other parties rel.itive to their delinquencies. A 
committee was also appointed to wait upon a member of session "in re- 
lation to his absence from the stated means of grace." The member of 
session beiiig present, explained that "i)hysical disability in his laujily 
and in his own case caused his absence from church during the past 
four Sabbaths." A second committee was appointed at this time to 
wait upon another derelict clnirch member. Jan. 1!). 187S, "The com- 
mittee to visit certain parties reported in part, and the same wa« accep- 
ted and the committee contimied in one of the cases under considera- 
tion. At this meeting of Jan. IJ). 1878, a comnumication relative to the 
sabbath-school was considered but action thereon deferred. The matter 
however came up again Feb. 4., at which time it was decided to appoint 
officers in tlie school for one year. Elder Wm. J. Smith was appoint- 
ed superintendent, Robert I. Smith treasurer, Peter Hulsizer librarian, 
and chlcr llobins secretary. The session, as a committee, undertook 
the ]n'ocuring of a library. The envelope system of collections for be- 
nevolent objects and incidental expenses, which had been in use for 
some time, was at this nioeting (Feb. i. 1878) ordered discontinued 



i'Tr^/ Pndii/krum C/i'irch of Bloontsbiirij. 45 

niitil the end of'Miiy ensuing-, iind ji semi-monthly collection was (akeii 
in its place. At this tijne the Louise F. Kennedy Fund, for the bcnriil 
of the i)oor of the congTegation was established. The young' hidy 
whose name the fund bears was a daughter of elder ITenry li. Kennedy. 
]>ying in the bloom of womanhood she did not fail to reinend)er the 
(•lunch of which she was a mend)er and that in behalf of the Loi'd's un- 
fortunate ones. In accordance with her wishes her father, after her 
death, cajried out her schejue by making over to the cojigregation three 
shares of the capital stock of the Bloomsbury National Bank lor this 
purpose. 

Apr. 21. 1878, at a congregational meeting, Wm. S. Hulsizer was 
elected trustee to fill the place of Dr. Creveling who declined to serve. 
Ou the 27. the trustees organized by electing Wm. S. Hulsizer, presi- 
dent; John Hance, secretary; and Moses Kobins, treasurer. 

The dissensions which, as we have seen, existed in the congregation, 
came before Presbytery in the s})ring of 1878. We find the following 
iu the minutes of Presbytery, Apr. 10. 1878, relative to the matter, viz: 

"Papers i)ur[)orting to come from the congregation of Bloomsbury 
having been placed in the hands of the Moderator, they are ordered to 
be referred to a special committee." "The Moderator announced as 
this committee, Eev. A. A. Haines, Pev. J. M. Maxwell and ruling elder 
J. G. Shipmau." This committee reported as follows, viz: "The com- 
juittee report that iu the minutes of the congregational meeting fur- 
nished them, no Commissioner Avas appointed to this Presbytery, and 
the whole difficulty seems to arise from the disaffection of a very lew 
persons with the pastor; and that the committee cannot find that there 
is any difficulty existing in the church to render it necessary for Pres- 
bytery to send a committee to them. The}' therefore recommend that 
the request to send a committee to the cluuch of Bloomsburj , and the 
papers be returned to the person handing them in." This a(;tion on 
the part ot Presbytery did not have the effect of healing matters con- 
trariwise seemed to put fuel upon the tire. One evidence of this was 
manifested in the immediate expression of a desire on the part of mem- 
bers of the church to be dismissed to other churches. May 11. 1878, 



4';) Fd'st Pi(sbi)U')''iaii Charvh of JjInuiH^Oin''/. 

seven [)er.soiis asked tor letters ofilisinissioii, two of whom, it w;is allej;- 
e<l desired to join the iieigli boring cliurcli of Greeiiwicli. In the case 
oftliesc two objection was ma<h> to granting th(^ request on tlic ground 
til, it it was believed by inend)ers of session tluit the i)arties had chang- 
ed their minds, and had made no written application for dismission. 
As the time for tlie fall meeting of Presbytery drew near the ditlcrent 
factions juaniteste 1 renewed activity. In the minutes of session, Se[). 
7. 1878, it was recorded that an elder started the subject of electing a 
delegate to the next meeting of Presbytery, whereupon the moderator 
s[)oke adversely thereto and left the room. In the minutes of Presby- 
tery, Oct. 1. 1878, we read: ''Certain papers having been ])lacBd in the 
hands of the Moderator for the consideration of the Presbyteiy 
they wore ordered to be referred to a committee.'' This committee 
consisted of Kevs. J. J. Cnme, J. P. Clarke and ruling elder Mr. John 
White, This conunittee rei)orted I'ei^ommending that the ])apers in 
question be placed in the hands of the Judicial Committee. The Judi- 
cial Committee's report in the matter is as follows: "The second paper 
placed in the hands of the committee, referring to matters c )nn<'cted 
with the congregation at Bloomsbury, is one of which the committee is 
divided in judgment. But it being reported that serious ditticuUii^s ex- 
ist in that congregation the committee reconunend that a committee of 
three ministers and two elders be appointed to visit it duiing the 
month of December next, to inquire into its state, and to report at sucli 
nu'eting of the Presbytery as the Moderator shall call in i)ursu:iiu'(^ of 
its request." "The following were appointed the committee called for 
in the above report: Kev. A. A. Haines, Rev. Alexander Proudfit, Rev. 
J. F. Shaw, and ruling elders Thomas liyerson, M. I), and Mr. Charles 
E. Vail." "The committe, to which was referred a pajjcr which had 
been placed in the hands of the Moderator for the cosideration of the 
J*resl)ytery, made a report, that it found said pa|)er purporting to be a 
l)etition from certain nuMnbers of the church of Bloomsbiuy, with refer- 
ence to three ruling elders of that church: that it found the paper to 
be in order and laid it before Presbytery lor such action as it deemed 
])roi)er. The report was accepted and the paper was ordered to be re- 



I^h'fst IW^bi/hritih ChiiVih of Blu<jinsburij. -17 

I'crred to the coiuniittcc iippointed to vi.sit the congrci^atiou at lilooius- 
biiry." lu tbo minutes of the Presbytery, Dec. 17., at Oxford First 
Church, the following records were made relative to or bcivriiig upon 
these dilliculties: 

"Two ruling" elders of the clmrcii of Bloojnsbury, * * * ap- 
pearing- in the Presbytery as the representatives of the session of said 
church, the question as to the representative claims of these elders was 
referred to a committee, consisting of liev. H. E. Spayd, Kev. J. 1>. 
Kugler, and ruling' elder J. G. Shii>man." This committee reported as 
follows: "The Committee appointed to decide who is the legally ap- 
pointed delegate from the church of Bloomsbury to this Presbytery, re- 
port that they have examined the minutes of the session and they find 
that on Sep. 30. 1878, at a meeting of the session of tlie church, elder * 
* * was appointed a delegate to the meeting of Presbytery, Avhich 
was to meet at Greenwich, on the tirst of October, then next ensuing 
and for no other meeting of Presbyiery, There is no authentic minute 
of any delegate having been appointed to this meeting of the Presby- 
tery, and the committee therefore report that in their judgment, accor- 
ding to the second decision of the Assembly, the session of the Blooms- 
bury church has no elder legally appointed to this Presbytery." 

The report of the committee to visit the church is as follows: "The 
committee appointed by Presbytery to visit the church of Bloomsbury 
during the month of December, to inquire into its state, would report 
that they visited the church on the 3. inst. A full hearing was aflbrd- 
ed to all who presented themselves on that and the following day. 
The following paper was subsequently placed in the hands of the com- 
mittee, liev. H. B. Scott offers his resignation of the pastorate of the 
First Presbyteiian Church of Bloomsbury, said resignation to take 
effect on the tirst day of January, 1879, and he promises to remove 
from the town of Bloomsbury by the first day of March, 187'J, and the 
representatives of the church promising that they will pay Mr. Scott 
all arrears of salary by January 1. 1879, and six mouths salary- in addi- 
tion, three hundred dollars on April 1. 1879, and three hundred dollars 
on July 1. 1879. [Signed.] H. B. Scott, Moses Robins, Jos. C. Smith, 



-18 lursl rrisl)tjU:riaii C/nirch of Jjlouiitshar^. 

(iiastt'o), Will. TinsiiKui, II. K. Kennedy, Win. J. Smith, Wni. Dahym- 
l)lt', Kobert I. Smith, John Gardner. Theo. Tinsman. The committee 
would recommend tliat tlie resignation ot'liov II. B. Sc )tt be accei>ted, 
to take effect Jan. ]. 187J), and that the diurcli be re(]uired to pay the 
money promised in the above agreement. Kev. ]\Ir. Scott then pre- 
sented his resignation as pastor of the congregation at Bloomsbury. 
The representati\^s from said congregation, and who having signed 
tlie above paper, a]>i)eaied in the Presbytery and signitted their acqui- 
escence to the resignation of tlieir pastor, when it was 

Resolved, That the lie v. H. B. Scott having i)re.sented his resignation 
as pastor of tlie First Presbyterian Church of Bloomsbury, to take 
effect on the tirst day of January, 1871), it be accepted, and that the 
pastoral relation be dissolved, the dissolution to take effect at the time 
mentioned." "Rev. Wm. Thomson was aj^pointed to preach in the 
church at Bloomsbury on Jan. o. 1871), and <leclare the pulpit vacant. 
Mr. Thomson was likewise appointed moderator of the session of the 
chinch of Bloomsbury (biring and for the time the said church is with- 
out a pastor." 

In accordance with this ai[)[)ointinent Mr. Tliomson preached in the 
church on Jan. 5. 1879, and declared the pulpit vacant. Thus ended 
the pastorate of llev. H. B. Scott. During the nine years and a half of 
his ministrations there were received into church by piofession of their 
faith in Christ one hundred and six persons, and forty-one by certificate. 



CHAl^rER VI. 
I'ASTORATIi OF RFV. MR. CLYDE- 

i'li-vitlfil (liJIirnUics. L'lir Mjuritnal .stdtc. Bciu'Vvh'nf irork mlf'crin;/. Dijfi- 



I'^in^t I*rt.^l>»jlcra(n Cliurvh <>/ JJluui/i.^Imr/j. Ai) 

C'diics i-arricd before i'^i/ikkL Klni'iDii cj Jourlh [iK.^hn-. I'rvsliijtcrhi.n Jli/nnm' 
(idoptcd. Attempt to or<j(inize a itar rlmrcJi. .iinlicnce ruoiii rdiijlded. JJmd- 
yline. Debt of church paid. Le.rti:r(-rooii' refit!i;l_ pjid of diflic'dt'e--i in the 
chiin-h. Decitli of elder ]]'iliiiini Thi-siiidii. /i!ii>rneed coiKlitioi! of roniirif/o- 
tion. Xeir .s/r/{'-;r(f //."•-.•. 

It would 8('om that the Pi-csbytcry, at its iiice'tiiig' in DccciuiK'r, Io7S, 
(■{iiiAialiilatt'd iUoll'lhal iil! il:e ditl'dillies in the lliooinsliuiy chiircli 
had hccn settled. In this however, they were sadly deceived. Jan. 5. 
1879, the very day tlse i>ul[>it \y;i< declared vacant, there was a. iiieetinij;' 
of session held, moderated by llev. Wm. Thomson, at which the libra- 
rian of the sabbath-school sent in his resignation, sidd resit^iiation 
(growing' out of the troubles in the church, as it was understood. It 
Avas proposed nt tliiy meeting also to appoint a committee to wait on 
ten members ot the church with reference to their derelictions in duty. 
The design however, we believe was not carried into effect. 

IVIar. Ii3. (or Apr. ~>.) LST'J, the congregation elected Robert I. Smith, 
.Jesse J. Lake ;ind John Ilance, trustees. 

The ditliculties in the church, wliich we have seen were not settled, 
it would seem assumed two leading characteristics, viz: some in the 
congregidion desired the rcmova.l of the ])astor, others the removal of a 
part of tlie session. To meet the exigehcle.S of the case with reference 
to both i)iirties, Presbytery had secured the resignation of the pastor, 
and directly or indirectly advised the congregation to elect additional 
elders if they were not satisfied with those in office. Accordingly 
Mar. 3i. 187D, the following action was taken, viz: 

Besolvcd, The session have long been impressed that the spiritual 
wants of the people living in the vii)per or eastern section of the church 
territory, demand that a. ruling elder be located in their midst, so as to 
enable more efficient and prom])t spiritual care, therefore 

Jie.sohed, That the session of this church accord opportunitA' for the 
election of one or more luliug elders whenever the members of the 
church or a majority thereof express such desire or the Presbytery 
sha.U take onh^r thereto. 

In the report to Presl>ytery adopted at this meeting (Mar. 31. 1879) 



oO Mr^f Pi('.shi//< riaii Church, of Blmmisbiirij. 

the Iblknviiig <ii>i)t':irs, viz: "The iitteiultiiice ofeoimunuicaiits on .sacni- 
ineiital occasions has not been so birge us in ibriuer years, and the con- 
_i;Te<4;i'tion of \V()rshii>ers lias diminished." "JJ.v order of Presbyteiy the 
Jve\'. Will. Thomson j)reai'he<l on tlie tiftli oi Maniiarv atid dechired the 
pnlpit vacant. ^Ministerial snpplies (ai)i)ointed b.y the committee) have 
preached regnlarly since that period, smd tlnue is a. marked increase in 
the nnmber and bi'tter attention on the part of the worshipers. (Jiiiet 
jiri'vails, and t'le word i \ reojive I with manifest edification.'' 
"Contributions for the boai'ds of the church hav(^ been almost entirely 
nef^lected."' "In order to obtain a. better knowledge of the spiritual 
wants of the people tliey j)ro[H)se to make a series of family visitations 
as soon as practicable.'' 

The administration of affairs by thi> session liowever, was not acce'pt- 
able to tlnit portion of tlie congregation which desired the lemoval of 
certain elders. The Presbytery therefore, at its stated meeting, Apr. 
*.». 1<S7'.>, found itself con fi-on ted with the old diiticulties, a.s will be seen 
from the following record: 

"Tlu' committee to which was referred a certain pa.})er placed in the 
hands of the nuxlerator for the consideration of Presbytery, i)r<'sented 
the following report: The committee appointed to examine and report 
ui»on a i)aper put into the ha.nds of the modm-ator finds said pai)er to 
b'' a i>etition ijurnorting t<) come from a mijority of the cojumunicants 
(tf tilt; church of lUoomsbnry, in ac(iordau(;e with tlie advice of Presby- 
tery given at the meeting at the First Presbyterian Church of Oxford, 
Dec. IS. 1S78, jjiaying Presbytery to advis<^ the session of that church 
U) take order for the retirement of certain ehlers from service in that 
chincii, or to take such action as the Presbvtery may deem bt'st to se- 
cure their removal. The comnnttee recognizes the right of petition in 
general. It cannot admit however, that it is correct to say that Pres- 
bytery has given advice that that light be exercised in this case. On 
the contrary we believe tha^ the action taken at Oxfor«l wms, and was 
intended to be a definitive settlenumt of the matters then in dispute. 
This was the intent of the agreement which stands on the records of 
Presbytery signed by those who were i-egai'ded ais jvpresentatives of 



l^'ir^f J'lrsl^'jUrli'it Church of JJlvvin.^lxirij. .")! 

nil iiiteiests involved. Tliis beiu^' so, we eannot but le^iud the pie- 
sentatioji of the petition as an iutViiigeiueiit upon that aj^ieeiiieiit: and 
Ibr tJie rresbvtery to aet in a la\<)iable sense npon Ihis j clilion would 
be to make itself a partv to a breaeli of faith. We iH^eoniuu'ud lliere 
fore that tlie i)etition be icturned to those froui whom it j)Uipoits lo 
eome." This report was adopted, wliereui)oii "VKev. H. ]>. k^entt, in l>e- 
half of the petitioners whose names arc aUaehed to the abo>'e i)a]>er, 
yave iu)tice of his intention to appeal and e!)ni])hiin to tin; Synod ot 
^"ew Jersey against this action of the i*resl)yter\ ." 

At this meeting of Presbytery, tin; session was granted permission lo 
supply their own puli)it till the next stated meeting of Presbytery. 
jVeeordingly we find tlie following action taken A\)V. L'(!. : 

Wherea-<^ Presbyteiy consented to supi>ly the ])iil[)il of this church 
until the next stated meeting, but it is now thought best to secure a 
pastor so soon as the congregation shall be satisiied, therefore 

Kesulved, That with the consent of the committee of conference we 
now proceed to hear candidates for the pastoiate." 

After hearing a limited number of candidates the following action 
was taken May 2o. 1879: 

Wherea-^j The session of this church having had a number of applica- 
tions from the membership of this church to elect a i)astor from the 
candidates heard, being satisiied that it is for the best interests of the 
c;hurcii that the election be proceeded with as soon as convenient, 
therefore 

RcMlced, That Thursday, June 5., this congregation will proceed to 
the above request. 

Tluough the difficulties in the church the people found themselves 
involved in indebtedness, and accordingly a meeting of the congrega 
tion was held, Apr. 17. 1879, The meeting convened in pursuance of 
the following notice, viz: "Apr. 6. 1879. There will be a meeting of 
the (;ongregation of the First Presbyterian Church of Bloomsbury, N. J. 
in the basement of the church, on Thursday, the 17. day of April inst- 
ant, at two o'clock P. M., to take into consideration the financial condi- 
tion of the church, and to make disposition of money i^laced in their 



o- hirsl I'fcsliijkrkiii C/iiir'-/i. iif JJ/</otttsh//r>/. 

liaiids: said tnustces owiuj;' to iHcseiit circumstaiices desiiv in.stiuctioiis 
t'roni t'le congTegatioii."* I'iu' triisti'os acc-ount Look was cxa-iniiuMl and 
the iiidebiediies.s oi" til!.' cluirch ascvnlaiiied, \vherci:!)on tlie lollinvii:!;' 
action was talcen : 

Where (d, By the hist will and testaaieiit o'.dohn P. iSniith, decM, the 
sum of one thousand d olLiivs wa.s bequeathed to the First Pi-esbyterian 
Chtii(;li of Bh)Oiiisbury, of which sum the interest only could be used 
the principal to remain in tact, uidess by a two thirds vote of said con- 
^'regation said principal to be used it needed, therefore 

Re-iolccd 1st, Tha" the u'.-.i^ent needs of this cluuch require the use of 
tills money lo li(iu!<late the present indebiedness of this church. 

Rcsnhrd IM, Tiiat this meeting held this 17. day of Apr. 1871), called 
by thi^ trustees of said cluu\*h, do hereby decide by a vote of the con- 
gi'e,i;Miti')n to autlioiize said trustees to use tiiis money for the abi)ve 
named [)urp;>se, namely, the c:iiiceiin,ii\siiid iisdebtedne'::; of tliis cluucli.'' 

At a cong'i'cg'atioual meetin^i;' lield on ,)une .">. ]S7:>, the people pro- 
ceeded to the election of a pastor. Tiie following were j)laced in nom- 
ination, viz: Kev. Joliu C. Clyde, Kev. II. B. Townseiid andKev. E. A. 
Hamilton. The election resulted in the choice of Kl> v. John C. Clyde. 

The call was made -out at a salary of eight hundred dollars a. year, 
l)a.yuble (piarterly, with free use of tlie parsonage, and a vacation of 
four Habbaths annually. A proposition w;is made that the electors 
sign the call, which failed. It was then proposed that three of the old- 
est members sign it, which was also lost. Finally it was onlered that 
the session and trustees should sign it. This reveals the distrust 
which existed among the i)eoi)le as to the future welfare of the church. 

Eev. Mr. Clyde in due time expressed his willingness t,o acce[)t the 
call, and commenced his labors among the people July 1. 1S71>. The 
woilc from the outset was a delicate, dfficult and discouraging one. 
T'iie churcli was distracted through the long continued and tierce dis- 
sensions wliicli ha.d existed in its midst. Tin? i>eople were therefore in 
no condition to go forward in the work of buihling u[) the church either 
spiritually or temporally. The whole community was allected by the 
tiuinoil in the chur(;h. There were many hard words sjjoken and hard- 



t-r lliou^ht.s entertained b\ those wlio were pr()ie,s8ecll,\ tlie lollowcrs c!' 
(he iDcek iind lowly Jesus. Many seemed lo assume th;it \hv luwiy 
elected ])a.stor was their enemy ;ind it (levolved upon them lo ticat him 
dis;es])ect{nlly and unkindly. Taken all in all tJie lieid w;!s in ithoiit ;;s 
unin"\'iting' a condition as it well could be. ^'orwirhstandiiii;' liiis it h;id 
to be assumed that here as elsewhere, the <i'osi>el was to be })re;'e!ied ; 
the Jinthority of the church sustained; and Clod's true children har- 
monized and led if possible, and to tlse accomplishment of this task the 
pastor a<ldressed himself. One line oi 'policy adopted was to draw the 
minds of the [)eople away from the troubles and interest them, if possi- 
ble, in church work. It was thou^iit the adoi)t]on of a new book of 
praise wouhl be \\, benefit to the cliuvch. Accovdiui^ly in July 1871), a 
congregational meeting was held with reference to the adoption of a 
new book. Th.e session, trustees an<l clioir were to constitute a commit- 
tee to recommend some si Jtabie colleV^tion. The committee uset Aug. 
10. 1879, at which time the Presbyterian Hymnal was adopted. 

July 20. 1879, Eev. John V. Clyde, pastor elect, first moderated tiie 
session. At a. meeting of session, Sep. 1''. 1879, ''action was taken 
with reference to the installation of Eev. John (.'. Clyde, and the dele- 
gate to Presbytery Avas instructed to ask the same to ap]>ointEev Wm. 
Thomson to preside, preiich the sermon and propose the constitutional 
questions: Eev. Thonias S. Long to charge the pastor; and Eev. H. B. 
Townsend to charge the people. The delegate Avas also instructed to 
ask Presbytery to appoint Tuesday, Oct. 14. at 2 o'clock i'. m., as the 
time a^t which the installation should tidce place." 

At a meeting of Presbytery at Asbury, Oct 7. 1871>, the i)astor elect 
''])re.'-ented a letter of dismission and recommendation from the Presby- 
tery ot Chester, with a request that he be received as a meml)er of this 
Presbytery. The certificate having been read was foimd to be in order, 
and Eev. Mr. Clyde was received according to his j-eqnest, and his 
name ordered to be i)laced upon the roll." 

The call having been presented to and accepted by the ])astor elect, 
Oct. 14., at 2 o'clock p. m., was fixed as the time of installation. Eev. 
Y\m. Thomson was appointed to ])reside, ])roi)ose the constitutional 



•> ! Fn-si Prc-<')ifl( i\(in (Jdirr'n of Ji/uuni^h"r'/. 

(]iU!st!()iis and ciiHige the piistor: Rev. John B. Ku};kn' to [ueacli the 
."•eiiiio!! ; ;m(I Kev. H. B. Towiiseiul to charge the people. The iustalhi- 
IJMii s(M\'i('e.s were (hily hchl at tli." time appointed. At this same 
du'etiiii;' ot I'li'shytery, while etloits were beiiig' made to a(lvaii<;e the 
interests of the ciiureh, tiiere were some who were exertiiij^' themselves 
to eripi)le it. .Vs we hiive seen, notice had been jj;iven on tlie ]);irr of 
some of the conj^regation. of an intention to a])[>eal frojn a decision of 
the Presbytery ivlative to the difticulties in the ehurch. So at this 
meetinji' ''a i)aper was i)lactMl in the hands of tlie moderator wiiich vras 
I'ead and ioand to b.' a omplaint from a [>art of tlu' churcli of Blooms- 
bury, with the reasons therefor, to tJie Synod of New Jersey, against 
the action of the Presbytery at its meeting in Ai)ril last, whereupon 
IWv. A. A. Haines and llev. W. A. IloUiday were appointed counsel to 
defend the action of Presbytery before Synod." The case came up in 
Synod at its nieeting in Treiiton. oji Oct, -i2. 1870, and was tried in tlie 
usual tbrm. Kev. J)r. Kempshall and Kev. David StcNcuson acting as 
counsel ihv tlu' comi>laina.nts by ji])pointment of Synod. The iinal vote 
was talcen witii the following iivsuU, viz: "To contirm the action ot 
Presbytery 48; to contirm in ])art 4; to reverse the action of Presby- 
tery 4.1: to re\'erse iji })arfc G." Tiie ino<lerator declared tlrit the vote 
wa-i to confirm the action of Presbytery. J)i'. Craven announced his 
dissent from tiiat decision. Dr. Dullield, Dr. ("ra^'en and elder Baker 
were aj>pointed a committee to bring in a minute setting forth the rea- 
sons for the decision rendered." This committee brought in a majority 
and minority report, tiie former of which was adopte<l aiul was as fol- 
lows, viz: 

"The vote of the Synod being forty-eight to contirm, four to coutirm 
in })art; forty-one^ to reverse, six to reverse iu part the decision of thi^ 
Presbytery com] »laine<l against, it is the judgment of the Synod that 
the decision of the Presbytery be confirmed. That, in view of the 
nearly equally divided vote, and the ex])ression of the ojiinions ofmejn- 
bers of Syiiod i)]eceding the vote, it is recommended to the Presbytery 
of Newton that should a memorial be presented from a majority ol the 
Bloomsbury church, asking a. change in the eldership, it shouhl receive 



Fini J 'rc.yh'i/i.ridii Cliin'ch nj' /Jh,nii'.^l//frj/. .'.,"> 

re8])ecluil and dcliberato cousidciatioii. Also, that in iutuio tliey kccj) 
a iiiuic (^aivl'iil and paiticular record of their i)r(K'eedings. The Synod 
Avould also at the same time j'eecmnicnd lo tiie mcmherv ot iiic i-jiiircii 
at Eloomsbiiry to seek tiie thini^'s that m;ike for peace." 

This disposition of tlie case, it woidd seejn, (night lo iiaA'e been satis- 
factory to all parties interested, but such M;is not (lie ca-;e. In ihie 
time notice was given to tlic mo'Jeia^or of Synod of tiie intention of 
certain i)ersons to iipj)eal to the G;'neral Assembly from the decision of 
the Synod. The moderator of Synod wrote to the pastor of the church 
Avith a view of arriving at such solution of tlic diliiculties as would stop 
litigation. The })a.stor g-ave such advice and inforuuition as iu his 
judgnu'nt, would bf cadculated to bring about a. better understanding 
between the litigaiit-. Fortunately through tliis or some other means 
tlie case was pr*'vented from going before the General Assemblv, but 
atiairs remained in an unsettled condition until the absence of any 
compla.int before the Assembly in the ;s[>ring of 1S80 conliiined the ac- 
tion of Synod in its settlement of the ditticulties. 

Whilst many of those who u[)held the appeal and complaint to Synod 
against Presbytery accei)ted Synod's action its tina.l and continued to 
perform their christian duties in the church, others manifeste'd an un- 
willingness to submit to the authority of the church, and made an eftbrt 
to carry on religious services iu a public hall iu the village witliout con- 
sulting Presbytery and without taking certiiicates of dismission from 
the ciiurcli to which they belonged. This effort at continued resistance 
to the regnlarly constituted authorities of the clmrcli however, failed 
after a. few weeks. 

Xotwithstanding there were these great obstacles in the way of prog- 
ress, the policy of going straight forward Mith the affairs of the church 
was i)ersevered in. As we have seen Presbytery advised the ad()j)t)ou 
of means whereby the grounds of complaint with reference to certain 
elders might be removed, and this was also recommendetl by xhe Syn- 
od. Accordingly the following action was taken Xov. lo. 1879: 

''The session having considered on the '61. of March last the proprie- 
ty of giving the cougregatiou an o[>portunity of expressing their views 



■)'\ I'lr^i J'rishi//rrtait Chfrch ojUloo/n^bt'r^/. 

oil tlir ,siihj(H-t of elecriii^' additional elders, took up tbe saiiie sultjcet. 
a.i litis iiieeiin,c. Alloi- c >a.si(lcratio!i it was 

/i'n ;,',•-■ / l^■•^ Tiiat tilt' luodeiMtor by iustrucied to i;'ive notice on 
next 8 sbbat'ii in)riiin,i;, -Nov. Hi., that the conyreg'titioii would be con- 
vened in eon^^re^^vitioual meeting' on ^iabbath morning Xov. 2.]., alter 
service to give expression t() their views on the above subject. 

/t's-:^/.- ■./ I'd. Tliat if tlie congregation see lit to elect additional el- 
ders they shall be afforded tlien and there an o;)])ortunity to proceed lo 
said elcit^ioii if so disposed. 

The nrn-iing of t'le congreg ition here c;)ntemi.'la"('d was duly held 
Nov. L':'.. isri), at the close of divine service. The i)astor w;is elected 
caairm in of the meeting ami Wm. 8. CrcNcling, M. 1)., secretary. The 
c.iU a^ foriuulateu at the meeting of session Xov. 13. was read. ''A mo- 
tion Viiis made and seconded that additional elders be elected. After ;> 
full and free discussion of the subject, t!ie motion vras lost. The c >n- 
grega^ion luiving decided not to el"ct elders, and iio further business 
i»eing bel'ore the meeting, on motion it adjourned." 

At a meeting of session Jan. 1(1. 1880, "The oflicers of the congr<'ga- 
lioiial meeting icjcrrcd to in the minutes of tin' meeting oi' session, 
were requested to rcc<;id their minutes in the session bcok for i)erma- 
nent preservation and convenience of access iind reference." This re- 
<juest was accede<l to and the minutes of the meting so recorded. 

In order that the people might have their attention occupied with the 
interests of the church, at the holidays in 1879, a public dinner and oys- 
tei' sn])p'er were held in the public hall of the village, at which time a 
handsome sum was realized lor miscellaneous ex[)enses, and this Inis 
beeii i\n annual feature (d' church work at this season of the year since 
that lime. 

With the o]»ening of tlie year 1880, a mite society was started which 
accumulated iunds also for miscellaneous needs. 

In order to make the main audience-room of the church more cheerful, 
new lighting arrangements were secured and phice<l therein. 

The annual <'ongTegational meeting was held Apr. 3. 1880, at which 
lime Ji'sse J. Lake. John HajUce and Jlobert I. Sinitli were elected 



I^^h'sl Frct>bfjtxrian C/n/rc/i nf Blouin.^bcr^. 57 

trustees. The same clay the board elected Jesise J. Lake, j (resident ; 
Joltn Hanee, seeretary; and 11. I. Smith, treasurer. K becoming man 
it'ested (by the'absence of an appeal to the Creneral Asseml>ly in 18S(;, 
on the pari; of those who were not satisfied with the decision of Synod 
in I87t)) that the litigation j;"rowin<>- out of the troubles in ilie chuith 
liad ceased, attention was turned to the correction of evils wliieli were 
found to exist in the ehuicli. One ot these evils was the old one of 
neglect of the ordinances : another was tlie retention upon the roll of 
the names of those who had removed beyond the bounds of the congre- 
gation or attended otiier churches, and who either neglected or refused 
to take certificates of dismission, whilst at the same time they were to 
a greater or less extent taking part in the control of t lie affairs of the 
cfiurch. To correct these evils, onSej). 11. 18<S(;, session selected such 
decisions of the General Assembly as bore upon these points, and direc- 
ted the clerk to forward a copy of the same to the mejnbership of the 
church for their guidance. At this meeting elder Smith resigned his 
l)osition as sui)erintendent of tlie sabbath-school, which was accepted 
upon condition of his continuance until ai suitable person could be Ibund 
to take his place. 

In the rei)ort to Presbytery a(lo])ted by session Apr. 'J. 1881, the fol- 
lowing is found, viz: "The spiritual coiulitiou of the church seems to 
have impix)ved somewhat, whilst much is yet to be hoped for in this 
particulai". Efforts have been made during the year to ascertain the re- 
al numerical strength of the congregation. A small debt upon the 
chureh has been paid during the year. A mite society has been suc- 
cessfully carried on ; and having relighted the main audience room, the • 
congregation proceeded to raise funds for the benefit of the sabbath- 
scliool. The accommodations of the school in the lecture room have 
been greatly improved. The unsightly wooden su])]>orts which made 
the room so unattractive, have been replaced by suitable iron ones; the 
uucomlbrtable wooden benches have been replaced by chaiis; the pul- 
pit has been altered and the room generally renovated and relighted. 
A new sabbath-school library has been purchased and hymn books pro- 
vided wherebv the children sing the same hyujus that are used in the 



58 I'^irs/ Prcshyler'aui Church of BlooiKsh'irij. 

rt'^nliiv cliurcli sei\ ice. J)iiriiij>' tlio year the invested eliaritable runds 
oi' i!ie conure.iiMtioi) liave been made available and used for tlie purpose 
U^v \vln<'!) they were provided." 

Tile aetioii of Se|». 11. ISS!), ha\ in;;' been (*i>innnniiea-ted to the eon- 
,^ re .nation, and some of tiie delinquents not seeminji' to heed the admo- 
nition then given, tlie following' action was talven by session Ajtr. L'. 
1881, viz: 

Whercd.i^ General Assembly (Digest page 024:. 'J.) ha.s tMiJoined ujjon 
s(\ssi<)ns of our cjuirciics, on th<' rtMuoval of any members beyoiid boun- 
daries of their own organization, to furnish sju'li mend)ers, whether in 
full conniuuiion or memlters b,\ l)a[>tism only, with testimonials of tlieir 
standing, which testiitnuiials it shall l)e the, duty of such i)ersons at 
once to picsent to sonu' church of our connection, and the session shall 
earnestly counsel these members to transfer their relation imme<li;ttely 
if liractic;d)Ie, or at tlie eailiest ()])j)o]tunity. therefoie it was 

Rc^nlrcd, Tlmt the clerlc of session be and hereby is ordereil to Ibr- 
ward tes;inn)!!ials of regular staTiding at the time of their removal, in 
accordancv' with this iictit)n, to the following absent juembv'rs, viz: * * 
J>y rhis means the I'oll was to some extent revised. 

Apr. 1881, the congregation elected Jesse J. Lake, John Ham\' ami 
Kobert I. Smitli, trustees. The same day the truste('s eUn'^ed .Jesse J. 
Lake, president: John Ilance, secretary; and liobert L Smitli, treasu- 
ler. 

Having on Ai)ril 1'. dealt with the delincpients who resided bey(uid 
ihe bounds of the congregation, session ])roceeded to consider the case 
of tiiose wlio resi(l(Ml within boumls. Accordingly May 28. 1881, "Sess- 
i<»n convened in accordance with Chai). IX, sec. 7. Form of Gov't, at 
the reijuest of two elders." ''The subject of the absence from the ordi- 
nances of tiu' church on the part of certain members was taken up and 
action of Assembly (Digest Book II, Ch. I. IL*, a.) bearing upon the 
l)oints, was n^ad. It was decided to proceed in the })reseut case under 
this provision. The following charge, upon common fame, was formu- 
lated, viz: Unchristian con<luct; si)ecitication, wilful absenting from 
t he ordinances of the church." dndei this charge twenty-three per- 



First J^iwshiiicrld II ('hnvrh <>/ Blduiu.'^hiirji. '.][) 

sons wore hold. At'tor ttxiiii;' Juno U, as tlio time ot next mooting': and 
entering- the names of the witnesses who weie to jnove tlie cliaiiiv, t!u> 
elerk was dirooted to cite the }>aitios to ajtpear at tha* linu', and au ei- 
der was apijointi'd to eon(Uiot the inosecntion. Jt^\.ls (ieoifh-d to sir 
in [)riva.te, in acexnthtnee with act of Astojully, i8,S(,*, minntos ]3age l;o. 

-Juno li. 1881, session eonvenod liursuaut to adjoununout, at l?,oO o' 
olook A. 31. Tlie ohU'r who was appointed to have eliargo oftlu^ [uose- 
oution not being present anotlier was a])pointed in Ins i)Uice. Bei'oro 
proceeding to judicial session, lor reasons satislkctory to session, the 
charge was withdrawn with reierenoe to three of the persons lield, 
leaving twenty persons under process. Having proceeded to judicial 
session the names of the accused wore called for the purpose of pre- 
senting them with a copy of the charge and nauses of tlie witnesses. 
One only ajjpeared who pleaded guilty, expressed [(onitence and vfas 
admonished. The dork was dii'octed to issue citations for the witness- 
es, and those who had failed to appear at this mooting, to appear at a 
meeting to be held June 14., for triid. Session accordingly convened 
June 14. 1881, at 8 o'clock A. M. Upon calling the names of the accus- 
ed only one appeared. Tlie charge having been i)resented he pleaded 
guilty and retired whilst session considered what a.ction should be ta- 
ken in the case. When recalled he failed to appear and was accord- 
ingly suspended from the communion of the church, in accordance with 
act of Assembly, Digest page 493, a. The remaining eighteen accused 
persons not appearing, ''the clerk was ordered to cite these, with the 
witnesses, to api)ear at the next meeting for trial," whereupon session 
adjourned to meet June 18. 1881. The names of the eighteen remain- 
ing accused persons were calied, none of whom appeared; thus sus 
pending themselves from the communion of the church without the ac- 
tion of session, by operation of the law of the church provided in such 
cases. ''Session thereupon declared that these persons were excluded 
from the communi(m of the church for their contumacy uniil they re- 
pent, in accordance with Book of Discii)Iine, Chap. 4. se(; 10. ' 

An elder Avas appointed to have charge of the cases and session pro- 
ceeded to place on record the proof of the charge preferred. -'In accor- 



♦jO J'lr^f i*n s'uijkr'iaii Ctmrcl' of H/ouiiisht/r'/. 

(laiKc witli J^ook of DLsci[)line (Jluip. 4, sec. 11), it was deemed expedi- 
eiil not to piihir.sh the netioii of session l>evond the Judiciitorv.'' 

Ciider diite of June L'T. 1.S81, six of the persons v.iio liad been sus- 
pended fioni the e<)inniunit)n of the church pive uotice of their inten- 
tion to ap]»eal and e<>inj)lain to Tresbytery, but never carried the mat- 
ter furtlier. Tims for tlie time beiny-, at least, ended the troubk\s in 
the eliureli. 

^Vt tius tin)e the e()n^re<4ati')n was called upon to under<>'o a sad be- 
icavement. Klder William Tinsman, who had served the church from 
its organiza'ion.aiid who was ;i zealous i)articipa.nt in taking- the ini- 
tiatory steps in the cases of discipline which lie, witli the other mem- 
bers of session felt were needed for the welfare of the church, was 
stricken of ap()[)lexy atid died June 4. 
Th;' foll;)\viiig' re;) ) '^ of si'.ssion t> Presbytery was made Mar. 1*5. 1882. 

Tiie ordinances have been maintained uninteruptedly throughout 
the year, and the fruit; thereof exhibited in the reception of a. number 
of new converts int > the memb.Tship ot (he church, aiul the manifest- 
ly increased earnestness in the hearing of the preached word by the 
entire c )ngregatio:i. The revision of the roll aud the c;)nse(iuently 
correded table of tigiire-! elucidates more clearly the actual strength 
of the church, ami althougli the number of communicants re[)orted is 
less than it wa; in last year's report, the moral and si>iritual power of 
tlie chinch is mucli stronger. The fa(;t that the congregation has been 
steadily increasing tliiough the adlierence of persons moving into the 
community, and througii the increased interest of some resi<ling in the 
village, tlie church is tiuancially stronger. There has been a marked 
inii>iovement in the atteudance, perhaps more especially prominent 
sine;' the series ot services during tiie Presbyterial visitation. The in- 
terest ajtparent on that occasion has not subsided and we have mani- 
fest (^vi(h'iic(^ that the Holy Si)irit is in our midst. The standard of pi- 
ety is higiier among tiie memb.3rs of the churcli. The attachment to 
the i»astor and to each o;:her is a prominent feature, and all things con- 
sidered the church has much reason tor thankfulness." 

Ai)r. S. 1882, the congregation elected Charles Ali)augh, J. J. Lake 



lur.^f I*n.'<h>//crii(it Lhurch of Bloomshnhi. (ii 



)o 



and L. Aiidertioii, trustees. At this meeting' it was oideied Ihal 
Imriid plots be sold to any jiersons outside oftliis eoii.uTcgalii ii."" A\)v. 
!>. Kobeit 1. Smitli aud Joliii Ilauce were ekcted trustees to t;!ke in*' 
places of J. J. Lake and L. Anderson who deelined to serve. The saiiie 
day the trustees elocte<l Chajles z\l})augh, ])resident ; JoImi llaiie ', see- 
retury; and E. 1. Sniitli,^tre;usiirer. 

The sidewalks leading' to the ehureli beeoining dilapidated, the eon- 
gregation uuited with the Methodist lOpiscopal ehureh of the village in 
an excursion to IS^ew York and Coney Island to repair the same I'or the 
mutual benefit of the two congregations. The excursion caiiu' oif Aug. 
W. 1882, and was a gratifying success. The annual, laliday sui)per 
was g'iven^on Christmas, and tlie I'unds realized therelrom set apart to 
complete the sum needed tor sidewalks, and for the use of the sabbath- 
school. In pursuance of the](a'iginal intention, stcnie tlaggiiig w-is laid 
down in front of all the church pioperty contiguous to the public stieets 
of the village, except on the soutli side, where it \vas deemed not nec- 
essaiy. 

, In the siu'ing of 1.S83, the following ie[)ort of the condition of the 
church was made to Presbytery, viz: 

1. The ])reaching of the word aud the ordinances of the church have 
been regularly maintained throughout the {)ast year. 2. The number 
of worshipers has percei>tibly increased, and their earnest attention 
and deep interest are quite apparent. 3. The admission of a number 
of new converts into the communion and christian fellowshi]) of the 
church, contirms the belief that the ^Spirit is in our midst, and strength- 
ens the hope that God will yet bless his means toward an abuiuhint 
conversion of souls. 4. Notwithstanding there have been removals by 
death and dismissals to other churches, the reception of members upon 
confession of Christ and by letter, render an increased total of commu- 
nicants. 5. The moral and spiritual power of the church is steadily 
growing stronger. Than in the past brotherly love and christian char- 
ity have become a marked feature. Perhaps during the entire history 
of the church there has never been such close accord with the people 
and their pastor. G. The congregation is growing numerically stronger 



62 Fti-st J^ics()'/I< raui Ckarrli of Blouiii^biin/. 

because of adherence of t'aniilies moving' into the vilhige, and the more 
cordial snp})ort of eailier n^sidiMits, 7. Althongli not ]>ossessed of snch 
ample mcan>^ as in former vears, the cliurch is growing in financial 
streni;th. Tliere is no indehtiHlness; bnt on the contrary there is a 
considerable fund set a])art for incidental i)nrposes; besides a fund tor 
the relief of the poor of the church. , All things considered, the session 
are enconraged to ho[)e for a bright future for the (^hnrch. 

Such was substantially the conditi«)n of the church July 1. 1883, the 
dose of the tirst four years of the pastorate of liev. John C. Clyde. Uj> 
to this time there had been received into the church thirty-four per- 
sons, fifteen upon profession of their faith in Christ; and nineteen by 
certificate. Nineteen infants had been bai)tized, and eight couples 
married. 



F'irai J'rcdtijferidn CJiunit uf Bluonicbury. Qo 



8UBSC1MBERS 

FOR THE 

HISTORY OF THE FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF 
BLOOMSBURY, NEW JERSEY. 

Naiiies. Copies. 

Heury R. Kennedy i... 

William J. Smith 2. 

Moses Robins "^ 2. 

Robert I. Smith 3. 

John C. Smith 2. 

Louis Anderson 1. 

William S. Creveling, M. D. 1. 

David Wean 1. 

Franklin P. Cline ■ 1. 

James J. Willever 1. 

S. R. Dalrymple 1. 

A. W. Creveling "5 1. 

Thomas S. Hoft'man 1. 

John Hanee 1. 

WilUam C. Smith '\ 1. 

Theodore Melick 1. 

William Fulmer 1. 

M. J. Vliet 1. 

Elizabeth Smith ^ : 1. 

J. G. Apgar 1. 

Wm. Carlinii- '. 1. 



{ji l^ird Prtshijkrian Clmrrh of Blount ■■<b('n/. 

Tljeudore Tiiisnian 1. 

A. V. Smith, M. D. 1- 

(Jhavles Alp;uigli ^ .,^_ 1. 

Joseph Stopj) ,, ,.^ > !• 

C. H. Smith ,.^ . _., 1, 

S. E. G. Smith . ._ 1. 

W. G. Smith '"' \,^^ .^J _. 1- 

Wm. Little, M. I). ._^ .,.^,_:"' "" 1. 

A. G. Orcveliiig "■ -■ . ^^ 1. 

Heury :\I. Vliet ._....,=, %I ^. :. 1- 

George Vhet . .^ . .. ^' 

Eliza vhet ' .. ::;;::z:,. i- 

Alice V. Vliet 1. 

liachel Tiiisjiiau . . LI.™ ^* 

Lizzie Emery , _ L 

James II. Willever _ ^ -^ 

llanuah A. Creveliiiy- 1. 

Agues Creveliug 1. 

Charles O. Creveliiii;- 1. 

James L. Creveliiig' L 

G. M. Williamson !• 

Mr, Brotzmau 1- 

J. W. Dellart 1. 

V. K. Wolvertou 1. 

Miiry V. Smith 1. 

Sarah C. Smith 1. 

Ellie Smith !• 

Mary P. Young 1. 

Wm. l)alrymi)le !• 

P. L. Hawk 1. 

George Hawk 1. 

Mr. Buhner !• 

James Mvers 1. 



First Fresbyterian Church of Bloomsbury. 65 

John Sidder8 1. 

Samuel Hansou 1. 

J. C. Stewart, M. D. 1. 

A. Creveling' 1. 

G. Cole 1. 

Wni. Slierrer 1. 

George Oreaiuer 1. 

John W. Crev^eling 1, 

S. N. Park 1. 

John Wiedei- 1. 

George Carpenter 1. 

George Streepy 1. 

John L. Allen 1, 

George Opdyke . 1- 

S. Probasco 1. 

Henry Gardner I. 

Isaac Wolverton 1. 

George Race 1. 

Lewis Fox 1. 



Othor [•iihliciitioiis Uy Kev. Joliii C. Cl,y(le< 



Ilistoi'.\ <>r tilt' Alh'ii Tow iislu[i Piesbyteriiiu (Jlmivh aiul ibe Coiii- 
iniinity wliich has sustained it, in what was tbnnerl.v known as the 
Irisli Settl'Muent, Xorthanipton Connty, Pa. 1S70, p[>' '^^^- ^^c* 

G(MiHal()^ios, Xecroloft.N and Keininiscences of the Irish Settlement, or 
a Itocord of those Scotch-Irish Presbyterian families who were the First 
Settlers in the "Forks of Delaware," now Xortluimj^ton County, Penn- 
sylvania. — 'i Se(]uel to the "History of the Allen Township Presbyte- 
rian Church. 1S7<», ]>\). 4LM>. $1.00. 

Rosbru;;h, a Tale of the Revolution, or Life, Labors and Death of 
I*ev. ,Iohn Kosbru,u]i, i>astor of Greenwich, Oxford and Mansfield 
VV'oodhonse (Washington) Presbyterian churches, N. J., from 17(54 to 
17(50; and of Allen Township chnreli, Pa., from 17(50 to 1777; Chai)lain 
in the Continental Army; (Herical Martyr of the Revolution, killed by 
Hessians, in the battle of Assunpink, at Trenton, New Jersey, Jan. 2d, 
1777- Founded ui>on a i)a])er read before the New Jersey Historical 
Society at its meeting? in Trenton, Jan. 15th, 1880; to which is append- 
ed genealoj>ical data of all the Rosbrughs of the connection in America. 
1880. ])}>. 04. 81.00. 

Life of James H, Coftin, LL.l)., for twenty-seven years Professor of 
Mathematics and Astronomy in Lafayette College; Member of the 
National Academy of Sciences, and other learned bodies; Discoverer 
of the laws which govern the Winds of the Globe. 1881, p]). 375. il.50. 



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